Several members of the Mariposa AAUW (American Association of University Women) recently gathered in the unusually quiet kid-free multi-purpose room at Woodland Elementary School to fill thirty backpacks with school supplies donated by AAUW members. When completed, the backpacks sat loaded with the essential tools for success recommended by teachers, such as pens, notebooks, binder paper and folders. They will be donated to eligible students entering 7th grade at Mariposa and Woodland Elementary Schools. The recipients are chosen based on teacher and principal recommendations.
The Backpack Project, now in its sixth year, has been carefully tended and managed by AAUW member Burney Stephens since its inception. “It is a labor of love for me to ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed in school,” Stephens expressed. Over 250 backpacks have been distributed through the program and, in the words of 7th/8th grade teacher Danielle Grate, “The generosity and hard work of AAUW makes a tremendous difference for the success of our students.”
Distributing backpacks is just one of several school and community programs offered by AAUW’s Mariposa branch to encourage learning. Founded in 1881, AAUW is a national organization dedicated to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. The Mariposa branch has nearly 100 members who work and play together to support educational projects such as Tech Trek, a weeklong science camp for girls, Speech Trek, a thought-provoking speech contest and Dinner with a Scientist, an evening at UC Merced for girls interested in scientific careers. To learn more, visit www.aauwmariposa.com.
