Back-to-school season is here, and school supplies are often the first thing that comes to mind. But these essential materials do more than help students get organized. They actually set them up for success in ways that go beyond just academics. School supplies boosts confidence, supports mental well-being, and creates a sense of belonging—key factors for any student’s success.

Building Confidence, One Supply at a Time

Having the proper tools help students feel empowered and ready to succeed.

For many students, especially those in underserved communities, showing up to class with the right supplies means more than just being prepared. It means feeling capable. Without the right materials, students can feel stressed, behind, or left out. But when students are well equipped, they feel confident and ready to take on challenges.

Supporting Mental Health Through Preparation

Prepared students don’t just thrive academically, they’re better equipped to handle the pressures that come with school life.

Preparation isn’t just about being ready for the next test, it’s about feeling emotionally ready for the school year ahead. When students have the supplies they need, it reduces anxiety and stress. Studies show that students who feel prepared experience less school-related anxiety, helping them focus and build emotional resilience.

Encouraging Inclusion and Belonging

Having the right supplies ensures that no student feels left out or different from their peers.

Feeling like you belong is key to any student’s success, and school supplies play a big part in that. When every student has access to the same materials, it helps them feel included and equal in the classroom. It’s a small gesture with a big impact on their sense of belonging and self-worth.

The Box of Dreams Program

At TEXAS YES, we understand the powerful impact school supplies have on a student’s overall well-being. That’s why we created the Box of Dreams program to provide essential supplies to students in Title I schools across Texas. This year, with the support of generous sponsors like Thomas J. Henry, and thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and donors, we’ve successfully distributed free supplies to more than 700,000 students since we started this program, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.

The impact of these distributions goes beyond the supplies themselves—it helps build confidence, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of belonging for each student, setting them up for success in the classroom and beyond.