What Is the Back to School Bash & Youth Festival?

Since its inception, Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA) has been guided by the core belief that Black and Brown young people deserve not only to survive and get by but to truly thrive and prosper. It is that spirit which led to the creation of the #WeKeepUsSafe Back to School Bash & Youth Festival (B2SB) – a day to celebrate the start of the new school year with young people and their families and to make sure that they have both the tangible resources and ongoing support they need to be successful in the upcoming academic year. Since our inaugural B2SB in 2020, SYC/W6MA has supported over 7,000 students and 1,500 families across Washington, DC. This year, we aim to raise $250,000 to expand this vital program and reach even more K-12 youth and their families. It’s an ambitious goal—but with YOUR support, we know it’s possible.

When Is the Back to School Bash & Youth Festival?

The 6th Annual #WeKeepUsSafe Back to School Bash & Youth Festival will take place this August, just before the first day of school for DC students. Stay tuned—we’ll be announcing the exact date soon!

To make the day truly memorable for our young people and their families, we need your support starting now. All spring and summer, we’re teaming up with sponsors and community members to shop, prep, and pack backpacks—so we’re ready to celebrate and support students at summer’s end!

What Makes the SYC/W6MA B2SB Unique? 

The SYC/W6MA #WeKeepUsSafe Back to School Bash & Youth Festival stands out as a one-of-a-kind back-to-school event—because we do more than just hand out backpacks. With deep community roots and year-round programming to back it up, SYC/W6MA provides sustained support to the students and families we serve.

That’s why we build the best backpack in the city—filled with brand-new, high-quality supplies like traditional school materials, Bluetooth headphones, recreational gear, and even digital devices.

But the support doesn’t stop there. At the B2SB, families can connect directly with our incredible community partners, ask questions, and sign up for ongoing resources—like our Free School for Unlimited Youth program, which offers tutoring and enrichment activities all year long.

Over the past five years, Black and Brown youth in DC have faced compounding instability, uncertainty, and trauma. The B2SB is our collective moment to surround them with love, celebration, and real support—reminding every young person that they matter, and that we’ve got their backs.

We hope you’ll join us!

How Can You Help?

Become a sponsor at the highest level you’re able to ensure that more students have access to the supplies and support they need to succeed.

Sponsorship Levels: 

-Family Level – $1,000 = 4 backpacks
Includes thank you on our website

-Classroom Level – $5,000 = 20 backpacks
Includes thank you in our newsletter and on our website

-Grade Level – $12,500 = 50 backpacks
All of the above, plus your logo on the event banner at the Back to School Bash & Youth Festival

-School Level – $25,000 = 100 backpacks
All of the above, plus special recognition during our outdoor celebration at the Back to School Bash & Youth Festival

-Ward Level – In-kind donation covering one top-line item (see below) for all 2,000 backpacks
Includes all of the above, plus dedicated social media recognition