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.
Each year the community unites for a back-to-school celebration and sends K-12 students home with new, properly fit athletic shoes of their 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 for the 2026 program will open by May 2026.
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!
Donations made on this page will help UWNEMN purchase shoes and other materials for next year's program.
If you'd like to volunteer for the 2026 program, please contact emily@unitedwaynemn.org or 218-215-2425.
If your company would like to Support Into School, please contact elizabeth@unitedwaynemn.org or 218-295-2424.