# Helping students start strong This year, alumni chapters nationwide are coming together to help elementary students feel prepared on their first day of school. From school supplies and fun goodies to notes of encouragement, we’re showing up for kids across the country — one backpack at a time. [Join the movement](#causes) **ALUMNI CHAPTERS UNITED 2026** # Helping students start strong This year, alumni chapters nationwide are coming together to help elementary students feel prepared on their first day of school. From school supplies and fun goodies to notes of encouragement, we’re showing up for kids across the country — one backpack at a time. [Join the movement](#causes) ## Backpacks are just the beginning University of Phoenix will provide every participating chapter with 50 backpacks and a few goodies for students in their communities. Want to make an even bigger impact? Bring a few extra school supplies to your chapter’s event. It doesn’t have to be much — a few pens and pencils, some erasers or an extra backpack can go a long way. ![Helping students get first day ready powered by University of Phoenix alumni](/alumni/chapters/united/_jcr_content/root/container/container_copy_copy_/columns/responsivegrid1/container/image.coreimg.jpeg/1785964540969/firstdayready.jpeg) ## Volunteer with your local chapter Find your local alumni chapter below to register and join the movement. ## 2026 Events Expand AllCollapse All ### July 25 | Augusta, GA Date: July 25 Time: 9:00 a.m. ET Location: Richmond Hill Elementary, 1517 Highwoods Pass, Grovetown GA  Description: Partner with a local school based on a demographic in need of back-to-school support, motivation and guidance. How to get involved: Join the[Augusta Chapter Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/uopxalumniaugusta)and watch for announcements about this and other alumni events.   ### July 26 | Atlanta, GA ####  Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026 #### Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Note: The actual event during which the school supplies will be distributed is from 11:30 am to 1 pm. (We're asking for donations to be dropped off ahead of time.) #### Location: Shiloh High School, 2626 Bethany Church Rd. Snellville, GA #### Description: Join the University of Phoenix Alumni Atlanta Chapter as we come together to support students and families throughout the community. A simple donation can make a meaningful difference—and together, we can help students begin the school year feeling prepared, confident, and encouraged. Help local students start the school year strong! #### How to get involved: Drive by anytime during the event to drop off school supplies, connect with fellow alumni, and celebrate the spirit of giving back. #### Why RSVP? - You'll get a reminder a few days before the event - Helps us know how many donors to expect Whether you're a longtime alum, a new graduate, a student, or a friend of the University, everyone is welcome! #### Suggested items for donation: - Composition notebooks - Loose-leaf paper - Pens and pencils - Crayons and colored pencils - Markers and highlighters - Glue sticks - Folders and binders - Calculators - Tissue and hand sanitizer #### Dress Code: Come as you are **Questions?**Ask on the[UOPX Alumni - Atlanta Facebook Group page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/uopxalumniatlanta) ### July 30 | Phoenix, AZ **Date:**Thursday, July 30 **Location:**Legacy Traditional School North Phoenix, 4545 North 99th Ave., Phoenix, AZ **Time:**Event for kiddos is 5 to 7 pm in the air-conditioned gymnasium Alumni will have a table passing out school backpacks with school supplies at Back to School Night Attendees will be chapter leaders & immediate family members only About the student body: 90% are free lunch eligible  How to get involved with events like this: Join the[Phoenix Chapter Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/uopxalumniphoenix) ### Aug. 1 | Detroit, MI ### This event has concluded. Be sure to connect with the[Detroit Chapter, University of Phoenix Alumni Association on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1487763268117196)to see the outcomes. **Date:**August 1, 2026 **Time:**10 am to 4 pm **Location:**UG's Community Jubilee, 1501 Dexer Ave, Detroit, MI 48238 **Description:** Volunteer with the UOPX Detroit Alumni Chapter to support UG's Community Jubilee and help local students start the school year strong. The University of Phoenix Detroit Alumni Chapter is volunteering at Union Grace Community Development Corporation's Community Jubilee 2026, a free community celebration that connects Detroit families with valuable resources, health and wellness information, and back-to-school support. As part of our volunteer efforts, the Detroit Alumni Chapter will help distribute 50 backpacks filled with school supplies to local students while assisting throughout the day's activities. **Agenda:** **10:00 AM – 1:00 PM**| Setup & Community Support 1 Help prepare the volunteer area, organize backpacks and supplies, and assist with event setup. Welcome families, assist with backpack distribution, and support event activities. **1:00 PM – 4:00 PM**| Community Support 2 & Cleanup Continue assisting families and supporting backpack distribution and community engagement. Help break down the volunteer area, and assist with event cleanup. **10:00 AM – 4:00 PM**| All Day Availability & Support ### Aug. 6 | Jacksonville, FL **Date:**August 6, 2026 **Time**: 12:30 pm to 3 pm **Location:**Ruth N Upson Elementary School, 1090 Dancy Street, Jacksonville, FL  32205 **Description: ** Volunteer with the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter to support local elementary students and help them feel confident and First Day Ready ### Helping Students Get First Day Ready Join fellow University of Phoenix alumni for an afternoon of service as we come together to support local elementary students through our nationwide Alumni Chapters United – First Day Ready initiative. Across the country, alumni chapters are helping students begin the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready to learn. From school supplies and fun goodies to notes of encouragement, every volunteer helps make a meaningful difference in a child's first day of school. Whether you're reconnecting with fellow alumni or volunteering for the first time, this event offers a rewarding opportunity to strengthen our community while supporting local families. **What to Expect** - Help prepare and distribute backpacks filled with school supplies and fun goodies for students at Ruth N. Upson Elementary School. - Represent the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter while giving back to the community. - Connect with fellow alumni through a meaningful afternoon of service. **How to get involved:**[Get details and register](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996162597063?aff=oddtdtcreator)on the official event page.   ### Aug. 8 | Tarrant, AL **Date:**Saturday, August 8 **Location:**Tarrant Recreation Center, 1232 Faye Dr. Birmingham, AL 35217 **Time:** 10 AM to 2 PM  Alumni will have a table passing out school backpacks with school supplies at Back to School Night **How to get involved: ** Get more details and register to volunteer on the[official event page](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996247075741?aff=oddtdtcreator). To learn more about events like this, join the[Alabama Chapter Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/uopxalumnialabama)   ### Aug 15 | DC / DMV - Delaware - Maryland - Virginia ### Details coming soon. Be sure to[follow the DMV (DC, MD, VA) Chapter, University of Phoenix Alumni Association on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/253494631495625)to get the latest info and see the outcomes. ### Aug. 15 | Raleigh, NC ### The Raleigh Alumni Chapter UOPX is collaborating with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc to host a drive- thru backpack and school supply give away to children in the Raleigh area that are less fortunate. Be sure to connect with the[Raleigh Chapter, University of Phoenix Alumni Association on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/592108134212262) to get details and see the outcomes ### Aug. 21 | Philadelphia, PA ### Back-to-School Community Celebration & Resource Fair **August 21 | 2:00-4:00 PM** Join the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter and community partners for a fun-filled back-to-school event focused on supporting local students, families, and safer neighborhoods. Families can enjoy free school supplies, sneaker giveaways, food, drinks, snacks, a live DJ, moon bounce, and family-friendly entertainment. Attendees will also have access to valuable community resources, including parent support information and after-school program opportunities, all designed to help students start the new school year ready for success. **Location:**Belfield Recreation Center, 2109 W. Chew Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138 To volunteer, contact Natasha Harris at**urmykidzz@yahoo.com**. Be sure to connect with the[Philadelphia Chapter, University of Phoenix Alumni Association on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/245378378973240)for other chapter events in your area.   ### Aug. 22 | Tampa, FL ### Details will be shared soon. Be sure to connect with the[Tampa Chapter, University of Phoenix Alumni Association on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/206855436176026)for info about the latest chapter events in the Tampa area. ### Aug 22 | Seattle, WA ### Washington's First-day Ready volunteer meetup Join your Washington Chapter for a powerful afternoon of food, networking, and giving back to local students in need in the Clover Park School District. At our_Washington Chapter’s Back-to-School Bash_, you’ll enjoy delicious food, build connections, and work together to pack 100 backpacks filled with essential school supplies, helping students start the school year prepared. [Get details and register](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1994915554124?aff=oddtdtcreator) ## What is Alumni Chapters United? Alumni Chapters United is a nationwide movement uniting UOPX alumni to serve their local communities. Throughout August, chapters across the country are hosting volunteer events. Whether cleaning a park, mentoring youth, or stocking a food bank, you’re part of a powerful movement. One Month. One Mission. One Million Strong. ![A map of the United States with faces in locations around the country, interconnected by red lines.](/alumni/chapters/united/_jcr_content/root/container/container_copy_copy__1554081250/columns/responsivegrid1/container/image.coreimg.png/1785964541091/alumni-network-map.png) ## Enhance your alumni experience ### Grab some fresh Phoenix gear From hats to hoodies and everything in between, the PhoenixStore has everything you need to show your school pride in style. [Shop PhoenixStore](https://www.mypromomall.com/phoenixstore/shop/view-all-collections) ### Join your local alumni chapter Chapters host activities throughout the year, ranging from networking meetups to charitable drives and sporting events — no dues to join. [Find a chapter](/alumni/chapters.html) ### Explore your free alumni benefits From career tools and coaching to exclusive discounts, discover all the reasons it’s good to be an alum. [Explore benefits](/alumni.html)