Ninety-four Koochiching County students will start the school year equipped with new properly fit athletic shoes, school supplies, and haircut certificates thanks to the community’s support of United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s Step Into School program.
Step Into School applications were open to all students enrolled to attend school in Koochiching County (K-12) this fall living in households under the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) guidelines. These guidelines were set using the latest United for ALICE in Minnesota report which shows 11% of Koochiching County residents live in poverty while another 22% are ALICE, earning above the federal poverty guidelines but still struggling to afford basics.
100% of participating families said Step Into School removed a financial barrier for their households.
“I can barely survive as it is financially,” said one parent. “If my child receives a pair of shoes through this program then I know she is good for the school year on those, and I can focus on paying for a good and warm pair of winter boots. This program takes a lot of pressure off of my shoulders.”
Additional pressures were relieved this year thanks to collaborations with House of Joy Salon & Studio and KOOTASCA’s Learning Tree program; Step Into School students received haircut certificates to redeem at the salon before the year ends as well as a backpack filled with school supplies.
“We know a child’s education has significant ties to adult health and success,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay. “These community partnerships make the program more holistic which means more support today for an even brighter future for these children and for our region.”
While the impact is serious, the program itself is lighthearted, starting with a community meal, “Minute to Win It” games with community leaders, and a ride from Backus Community Center to Ronnings in an emergency response vehicle.
Step Into School is offered free in Koochiching County with support from Old National Bank Foundation, Essentia Health, MIDCO Foundation, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), Rotary Club of International Falls, TruStar Federal Credit Union, Border Bank, Sanford Health, and Rainy Lake Gazette, as well as funding from the Power of the Purse event. In addition, Ronnings provides a discount on shoes.
This is the fourth year UWNEMN has partnered with Backus, Ronnings, and local emergency responders and law enforcement on a back-to-school shoe event. Applications will open for the 2027 program in May.