Who doesn’t love seeing first-day-of-school photos on their social feed? Kids sporting their cutest new outfits and Spider-Man backpacks. Huge grins proudly revealing the baby teeth they lost over the summer. Excitement over a new teacher, a new classroom, and new friends.
For many children and families, it’s a fresh start. For others, it’s another year spent staring down obstacles that make showing up feel impossible.
These can be as serious as homelessness, family turmoil, or health crises. Sometimes, the challenges are things many of us never think twice about, like not having a ride to school or a clean change of clothes. These barriers are real, and when left unaddressed, they snowball into chronic absenteeism, academic setbacks, and even truancy charges.
No student’s potential should be limited because of factors outside their control. That’s where TIP comes in, connecting students and families with advocates, mentors, and volunteer attorneys so they can address their challenges, stay engaged with school, and achieve their goals.
But we can’t do it alone.
As the 2026-2027 school year approaches, we’re calling on our community to help kids start strong and stay engaged. Your donation today can mean the difference between a student who falls through the cracks and one who builds a consistent routine from day one.
- $50 equips a student with school essentials & transportation support
- $100 helps a family access community resources like counseling, tutoring or housing support
- $250 supports full legal and wraparound assistance for a student navigating court
- $500 funds workshops & educational sessions for parents on navigating school attendance challenges
In 35 years of walking alongside kids with chronic absenteeism, one thing has remained clear: these children want nothing more than to learn and belong. Your gift helps make that possible. As TIP Board Chair and longtime volunteer Josh Swiger puts it: “If you want to help your community, I don’t think there’s anything you can do that is more valuable than helping a child get an education.” Will you?
Please make your gift today and help us build stronger communities, one student and one success story at a time.