In early August, KIPP SoCal hosted three vibrant back-to-school resource fairs in East LA, South LA, and Compton, welcoming thousands of families for a joyful start to the school year. Each event brought together students, families, and community partners to celebrate learning, share resources, and get ready for a strong year ahead.
Across all three fairs, more than 1,500 backpacks filled with supplies donated by Baby2Baby were distributed, along with an additional 75 backpacks at each fair from School on Wheels. Families also received 900 emergency preparedness kits, thanks to our partnership with CORE Response. Additionally, attendees connected with over 90 community partners and vendors, including Scrub Hub, Elements Pharmacy, St. John’s, AltaMed, the LA County Department of Mental Health, and more.
Families at all three fairs also participated in opportunity drawings, which included school uniform vouchers as part of a generous $2,000 donation from Faith Uniforms. In addition, each school received three uniform vouchers to share with high-need families, ensuring even more KIPPsters were supported as they prepared for the year ahead.
Check out some of the highlights and family-friendly fun from each of the fairs:
South LA Fair | Aug. 2
The South LA Fair at KIPP Academy of Opportunity welcomed over 600 attendees and an impressive lineup of more than 40 community partners, including small business vendors, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Families received free hygiene kits, books, wellness screenings, and access to vaccination clinics, making it both a joyful and resource-filled day.
The fair also featured special visits from the LA Rams Cheerleaders, Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, and representatives from the office of Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. With music, games, and jumpers adding to the festive atmosphere, the event was made even more meaningful thanks to the support of KIPP Scholar alumni, who volunteered their time to give back to the community.
East LA & Boyle Heights Fair | Aug. 9
KIPP Academy of Innovation hosted the East LA & Boyle Heights Back-to-School Resource Fair, drawing more than 700 attendees. Families connected with over 35 community partners and vendors and benefited from free services such as vaccines, dental appointments, legal consultations from the Franco Law Center, and haircuts provided by a KIPP Promesa Prep parent, Erik Rangel, of Boyle Heights Cuts. Families were also able to shop and take what they needed from the clothing, book, and personal hygiene giveaway section.
The event also featured an appearance from Assemblymember Gonzalez, who donated air fryers for raffle prizes and celebrated KIPP SoCal’s dedication to the community. Special thanks to Proyecto Pastoral for partnering with us to ensure community safety.
Compton Fair | Aug. 9
KIPP Compton Lower School hosted the Compton Back-to-School Fair, which drew over 400 attendees and featured more than 20 community partners. The event stood out thanks to strong partnerships, including Blue Shield, whose team helped fundraise, stuff, and distribute 300 backpacks filled with supplies.
Families also enjoyed a range of resources and entertainment, including wellness checks, book giveaways, and dental screenings, as well as opportunity drawings with prizes such as movie tickets and tablets. Local Compton leaders, including Mayor Emma Sharif and Councilmembers Deidre Duhart and Johnathan Bowers, joined to show their support.
KIPP is Community
These fairs reflect KIPP SoCal’s deep commitment to ensuring that students and families are not only ready but also excited for the year ahead. A heartfelt thank you to our Advocacy & Community Engagement team, Community School Managers, volunteers, and partners who made these events possible.
We are grateful to everyone who joined, contributed, and celebrated with us. Here’s to an incredible year of learning, growth, and joy ahead!