About School is Cool
School is Cool is a community outreach effort managed and organized by Colorado State University employees. The program provides essential school supplies to less-fortunate students in the Poudre School District to make sure they have the tools they need to start the school year off right. And, in these trying times the need in our schools continue to grow.
Each August, backpacks are loaded with grade-appropriate supplies and are delivered to 33 PSD schools in Fort Collins, Wellington, Timnath, and LaPorte, and to outlying mountain schools. Principals and counselors, in turn, discreetly distribute them to the students who need them most. Since 1992, School Is Cool has assisted more than 58,000 children. Last year, the program provided supplies for 2,685 students.
Demand remains high for supplies again this year
Even in the Fort Collins economy, support has never been more crucial. Current figures from Poudre School District indicate that of the approximately 30,000 students in the district, about 30 percent are eligible for the free and reduced lunch program.
A $30 donation provides a brand-new backpack filled with an average of 13 grade-appropriate school supplies.
Besides ensuring the students have the supplies they need, the program strives to build self-esteem – an important factor to academic success. As an institution of higher education, CSU strives to enhance the quality of education of these young people in our community by assisting them in improving their study skills and building their self esteem. Through School Is Cool, students are provided with the basic tools that creates the foundation of their education, encourages them to study and participate, and the sense of equality in their classrooms.
The program is organized and managed by Colorado State University employees with support from the CSU Bookstore.
Donations are accepted throughout the year for this annual Colorado State University outreach project.