2026 Back to School Bash

A Community Coming Together for Our Students

On August 9, 2026, approximately 3,000 students, families, educators, volunteers, and community members came together at Fashion Square Mall for the Back to School Bash, co-hosted by the Albemarle Foundation for Education (AFE) and Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS).

The goal was simple: to help students and families begin the school year feeling welcomed, connected, supported, and ready to learn.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, dedication of our volunteers, and collaboration of community partners, the Back to School Bash provided students and families with free school supplies, health services, food resources, books, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with local organizations.

In addition to free backpacks, school supplies, vaccinations, sports physicals, and vision screenings, the Back to School Bash distributed 700 books and resource guides! This included 500 books for students to encourage reading and help build home libraries, along with 200 resource guides for parents and guardians to support their children's learning and development.

We didn’t do it alone. It was a true community effort!

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Made Possible by Our Community

The success of the Back to School Bash was made possible by an extraordinary network of sponsors, donors, businesses, community organizations, and volunteers.

Together, financial contributions and donated goods and services helped provide school supplies, health services, food, books, refreshments, family activities, and an inviting event space.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors and event partners (listed below), the 53 community partners who engaged with students and their parents and guardians, our generous donors, and the many businesses and organizations that provided in-kind support, including Target, Home Depot, New Dominion Bookshop, Sticks Kebob Shop, Smooth Skin Laser, 2nd Act Books, Sir Speedy of Central VA, Warby Parker, Pepsi of Central VA, Chick-fil-A Pantops, Jersey Mike’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Ben & Jerry’s. We also extend special thanks to Seminole Trail Management, LLC for donating the event space and Picante Creative for generously supporting event design and promotional materials.

Your generosity, partnership, and commitment to our community helped make the Back to School Bash a meaningful and memorable celebration for students and families.