It’s that time of year when summer nights start to feel like fall and the youth cherish the last few weeks of vacation. Back-to-school season is a prime opportunity to support the most sensitive communities and children in need of school supplies. After the success of our 2023 food and toy drives for the holiday season, we decided to combine our cannabis business efforts with giving back to families in need around Worcester.
In partnership with Heady Co., a Massachusetts cultivation company, and ScoopDrip, a neighborhood staple near Major Bloom, we will produce and sell $5 pre-rolls for anyone who donates school supplies such as new backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, etc. As a cannabis business, we are fulfilling our duty by organizing and giving back directly to our community. As an equity business that creates products, has a storefront, and offers delivery services, we are embedded in a low-income, disenfranchised community. We give back by providing value to our customers and supporting families in need.
For many children, going back to school is daunting because they may not have all the resources to succeed. The increasing economic segregation in schools has led to greater disparities in the availability of school supplies and resources. Students in high-poverty schools are less likely to have access to necessary educational materials, contributing to a cycle of underachievement and limited educational outcomes. Worcester’s public education system recently faced a record-high $22 million budget deficit, prompting considerations of reducing custodial, special education, and tutoring services.
The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) serve a diverse student body with significant poverty-related challenges. Here are some key statistics about the district:
- WPS enrolled approximately 25,479 students in the last school year.
- The poverty rate among students in Worcester is 22.8%, compared to 10.5% statewide in Massachusetts.
- About 26.7% of children in Worcester live in poverty, higher than the state average of 13.3%.
- Nearly 60% of WPS students are considered economically disadvantaged, significantly higher than the state average of 32%.
- The district also serves a high number of English Language Learners (ELL), with substantial numbers of students coming from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
The district faces challenges in educational outcomes, with performance targets often showing limited progress. These statistics highlight the significant socio-economic challenges faced by students in Worcester Public Schools, necessitating targeted interventions and support programs to improve educational outcomes and overall well-being for the students.
As we gear up for the back-to-school season, it’s crucial to remember the impact we can have on our community. By participating in our school supply drive and taking advantage of the $5 pre-roll offer, you are directly contributing to the success and well-being of Worcester’s youth. Together, we can help bridge the gap in educational resources and provide the necessary tools for students to thrive. Let’s make this back-to-school season a time of empowerment and support for our future leaders.
