Running Start for School 2023

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Helping Local Students Succeed

You can help local students get a running start this fall by making sure all students have the backpacks and school supplies they need. We are supporting 2,989 students throughout Olmsted County this summer to ensure that all students have what they need to prosper in and outside of the classroom

To achieve our goals, we rely on community support to get involved - by donating, hosting a collection, volunteering, and encouraging others to help our children and youth reach their full potential in school and the community. And year-after-year, we successfully connect thousands of students to the tools they need to succeed because of local champions choosing to #LiveUnited.

Won’t you join us? 

Please donate to our online shop, Roonga to ensure a more equitable distribution of supplies throughout Olmsted County. Thank you for understanding and supporting the work of United Way of Olmsted County to ensure that students throughout Olmsted County get a running start for school!

Volunteer

 

Each year, our program is successful due to the hard work of our volunteers. Volunteer shifts will open to the public at the end of June. You can find them on our Get Connected  volunteer portal page; volunteer opportunities will be taking place from mid-July to August 14th.
 

 
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, SCHEELS
 
             
Scheels Logo - Recovery Reinvented
 
Thank you to our Moving Sponsor Ace Moving and Warehousing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you to our Television Sponsor KTTC
 
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Thank you to our Radio Sponsor Townsquare Media
 
 
Thank you to Rochester Chevrolet and Your Select Chevy Dealers and Luther Park Place Motors for being Supporting Sponsors of UWOC's Education Fund.
 
 
Thank you to the rest of our Partners! Check out who's getting involved here
If you'd like to become a Roonga Drive Host you can learn how here.
 

How to Receive Free School Supplies

School supplies are distributed by individual schools. Olmsted County students in grades pre-K through 12 who would like school supplies through Running Start for School should connect with the school they attend to find out how to receive supplies.  

Participating Schools [Pre-K through Grade 12]

  • Byron Public Schools
  • Chatfield Public Schools
  • Dover-Eyota Public Schools
  • Pine Island Public Schools
  • Rochester Catholic Schools
  • Rochester Math and Science Academy
  • Rochester Middle School Right Fit
  • Rochester Online School
  • Rochester Public Schools
  • Rochester STEM Academy
  • Stewartville Public Schools

Roonga Drive Host information here

 

Contact Information

Sonja Sommerfeldt

sonjas@uwolmsted.org

507-535-5509