UWNEMN's Step Into School program takes qualified Koochiching County students shopping to pick out a new pair of properly fitted athletic shoes for the school year.
Prior to shopping, families and students gather for a community meal where they connect with their local emergency personnel and may even enjoy a ride to the shoe store in a fire truck!
The program is operated with the support of Backus Community Center, Ronnings, and International Falls and Koochiching County emergency personnel.
Join the community for a back-to-school celebration and go home with new, properly fit athletic shoes of your student's choosing!
Who: K-12 students who are enrolled in a Koochiching County school in households under the ALICE® (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) guidelines can benefit from this program.
What: Participating families gather for dinner at Backus Community Center. After dinner, students are offered a ride in an emergency vehicle to Ronnings where they select their new, properly fit athletic shoes for the coming school year.
When: This year's program took place August 13, 2025. Details for the 2026 program are coming soon.
Apply: Applications closed July 21, 2025, and qualified families have been notified with their registration details.
Questions: Please contact UWNEMN Education & Childhood Programs Specialist Sarah Gardeski at sarah@unitedwaynemn.org or call 218-215-2570.
Step Into School is a community effort!
If you'd like to volunteer for the 2026 program, please contact emily@unitedwaynemn.org or 218-215-2425.
If you're interested in helping us purchase shoes and other materials for Step Into School, please contact elizabeth@unitedwaynemn.org or 218-295-2424.