Disney has partnered with some nonprofit organizations to launch a Back-to-School initiative. Disney is teaming up with the education-focused nonprofits DonorsChoose and First Book as they provide essential supplies and books to under-resourced schools throughout all 50 states. Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is lending her voice to help amplify this initiative in a new campaign spot that will hopefully inspire public support. Ralph is known for her role as kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard on Abbot Elementary.
“Books are the gateway to reading and learning, but millions of children and schools don’t have the books they need,” said Kyle Zimmer, President and CEO of First Book. “For the past 25 years, Disney has held hands with First Book to support our mission, and this fall Disney and First Book will help welcome children back to school with brand new books to brighten classrooms and engage young readers. We’re thrilled to invite Disney fans everywhere to join us in bringing the magic of storytelling to children nationwide.”
This season of Back-to-school isn’t just about homework and packed lunches. It’s really about giving every student and teacher what they need for a joyful and successful start to the year. Disney shares that this “new initiative builds on Disney’s legacy of impact, inspiring the next generation of storytellers and innovators, and celebrating teachers and students as they go back to school.” Disney has long-standing relationships with First Book and DonorsChoose and continues to support their networks of educators and students in low-income communities with mission-critical resources.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Classroom Supplies: Continuing its longtime support of public schools through DonorsChoose, Disney is matching public donations to teacher-posted classroom projects focused on the arts and storytelling in under-resourced schools across all 50 states—delivering vital resources while rallying local communities.
- Books That Inspire: Thousands of books will be distributed through First Book to low-income communities in every state, adding to the more than 93 million books Disney has donated to the organization since 2000.
- VoluntEARS in Action: Disney VoluntEARS will once again lead school supply drives, a tradition of more than 25 years, delivering donations to nonprofits and schools in underserved communities, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
- Support for Fire-Impacted Schools: Further building upon Disney’s response to the 2025 LA fires, the company is providing an additional donation to enable teachers in fire-impacted schools to purchase supplies for their classrooms as they return for the start of a new school year.
“At school, students can channel their talents and learn how to authentically be themselves. Often, teachers need the resources to encourage them to do just that,” said Alex Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “Disney is again showing up for public schools and getting students the art and creative supplies they need to express themselves through their class work and tell their stories. We at DonorsChoose are thankful that Disney is stepping in with this meaningful boost of support in time for the back-to-school season.”
For teachers who need supplies, visit DonorsChoose.org. Educators who are serving kids in low-income communities can become a First Book member for free. More information can be found at FirstBook.org/DisneyBackToSchool and DonorsChoose.org/DisneyBackToSchool.
What do you think of this Back-to-School initiative? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
