The 2024 NOLA Back 2 School Fest presented by Shell will provide 5,000 students in grades K-6 with free backpacks filled with essential school supplies – Saturday, July 27, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Xavier University Center, 4955 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, located on Xavier’s south campus.

Students in grades K-6 who live in the Greater New Orleans area can receive a free backpack and school supplies by pre-registering at www.nolabacktoschoolfest.org. Backpacks and supplies are limited, however, students who are pre-registered are ensured a backpack and supplies.

Parents and caregivers who have pre-registered their children can drive through to pick up the free backpack and supplies at the Xavier University Center. Those who arrive on foot can pick up backpacks at the entrance of the St. Joseph Center, located directly across the street from the Xavier University Center.

“One of the best ways we can give back to the community that we love is to invest in our kids,” said Colette Hirstius, Shell’s Senior Vice President, Gulf of Mexico. “A backpack full of supplies means that students can take a confident first step into a successful school year.”

“At Xavier University of Louisiana, we know well the profound impact that access to educational tools can have on a student’s academic journey. This annual event on Xavier’s campus, supported by Shell Corporation, provides essential supplies to students who might otherwise not have access to such items and gives them the confidence to begin their school year with a great start,” said Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “For almost 100 years, Xavier has carried forth its great mission to promote a more just and humane society through the education of students, and even if the students receiving these supplies do not attend Xavier in the future, they are the next generation who will heal the broken world and be a gift to all as they fulfill their academic journeys. We deeply thank Shell Corporation for helping us build a brighter future for the talented youth of New Orleans, one backpack at a time.”

“When we support students with school supplies, we also support teachers. The backpacks are filled with pocket folders, a notebook, pencils, a pencil case, scissors, a glue stick, and more,” said Jennifer LaCoste, Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans STEM Initiative (GNO STEM). “Teachers often spend their own money to purchase supplies to ensure their students have the basic tools necessary for learning. The backpack and school supplies provided by Shell help students and teachers start the school year strong and with confidence.”

The eighth annual NOLA Back 2 School Fest presented by Shell is hosted in partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans STEM Initiative (GNO STEM).

Parents can pre-register children (while supplies last) and learn more by visiting www.nolabacktoschoolfest.org.