National PTA launches back-to-school week with grants for local programs

National PTA has launched its annual Back-to-School Week, aiming to connect families, schools, and communities as the new academic year begins. The association is sharing resources and information throughout the week on social media using #PTABackToSchool and on its website at PTA.org/BackToSchool.

The initiative is supported by Walmart as Proud National Sponsor. The Children’s Place, a major children’s apparel retailer in North America, serves as Supporting Sponsor. Prodigy Education, known for its State Challenge math competition platform, is also supporting the event.

“Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, student or PTA leader, a new school year means new opportunities to come together, learn and grow,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA. “Our goal for our Back-to-School Week is to provide information, resources and expertise to help build strong partnerships between families and schools and help support students’, families’ and schools’ success all year along.”

This year, National PTA is offering more than $1 million in funding for PTAs to run programs during the 2025-2026 school year. These programs will focus on digital safety, STEM education, healthy lifestyles, the arts, and other areas. Applications are now open with a deadline of Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. More details about these grants can be found at PTA.org/Grants.

In addition to financial support for local initiatives, National PTA is collaborating with happy products to donate one million cups of coffee to educators and staff at PTA-affiliated campuses nationwide. Details about how local PTAs can participate in this donation will be announced later in the fall.

“We are grateful to Walmart, The Children’s Place, Prodigy Education and happy products for supporting our efforts to help students, families, educators and PTA leaders have a great new school year,” added Howie Berman, MA, CAE, National PTA executive director. “Through our Back-to-School Week, programs and other initiatives, our association remains committed to bringing together and strengthening partnerships between families and schools; bringing knowledge, tools and resources into the lives of families; and providing supplies and resources to support educators and schools.”

National PTA includes millions of members from various backgrounds dedicated to children’s educational success and family engagement in schools. The organization operates as a registered nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) with membership open to anyone interested in supporting education.