NOLA Back 2 School Fest Celebrates 10 Years of Helping New Orleans Students Prepare for School

Shell, Xavier University and GNO STEM Partner to Distribute 4,000 Backpacks Filled with School Supplies

Thousands of New Orleans students headed into the new school year better prepared thanks to the 10th Annual NOLA Back 2 School Fest, presented by Shell, which celebrated a decade of supporting families through the distribution of free backpacks and school supplies.

Held at Xavier University of Louisiana, the Annual Event provided 4,000 pre-registered students in grades K–6 with backpacks filled with classroom essentials, continuing a tradition that has benefited more than 45,000 children across the Greater New Orleans area since the festival’s inception.

The drive-through distribution took place at the Xavier University Center, while families arriving on foot or by public transportation picked up supplies at the university’s St. Joseph Academic/Health Center. Volunteers, community organizations, and corporate partners worked together throughout the morning to ensure families received the supplies needed for a successful start to the school year.

A Decade of Investing in Education

Now in its 10th year, the NOLA Back 2 School Fest has become one of the region’s signature Back-to-School Initiatives, bringing together the business community, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations to support local students and families.

“For a decade, the NOLA Back 2 School Fest has reflected what is possible when organizations come together around a shared commitment to children and education,” said Kevin McMahon, Vice President, Production Assets, Shell Gulf of America. “We’re proud to continue investing in New Orleans Students by helping ensure they begin the school year with the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed.”

The backpacks included essential classroom materials such as notebooks, pocket folders, pencils, scissors, glue sticks, pencil pouches, and other supplies designed to help students begin the academic year fully prepared.

A Community-Wide Commitment

Officials said the event represented more than the distribution of school supplies. It also reflected the community’s shared investment in the educational success of New Orleans Children.

“For 10 years, the NOLA Back 2 School Fest has served as a reminder that the education of a child is a responsibility shared by the entire community, and when we ensure that students begin the school year prepared, we affirm their aspirations and our collective commitment to their future,” said Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Xavier is honored to once again welcome families to our campus as we celebrate a decade of investing in the promise and potential of New Orleans’ young people.”

Helping Families and Teachers

Organizers said the Annual Event also helped ease the financial burden many families face when purchasing school supplies while providing support for teachers who often spend their own money outfitting classrooms.

“Starting school with the right supplies makes a meaningful difference for students, families, and teachers,” said Jennifer LaCoste, Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans STEM Initiative (GNO STEM). “This event not only helps ease the financial burden on families but also supports educators who too often purchase classroom supplies out of their own pockets. Together, we’re creating stronger opportunities for student success from the very first day of school.”

Building a Brighter Future Together

The NOLA Back 2 School Fest was hosted through a partnership among Shell, Xavier University of Louisiana, and the Greater New Orleans STEM Initiative (GNO STEM). As the event celebrated its 10th Anniversary, organizers reflected on a decade of collaboration that has helped thousands of students enter the classroom with confidence and the resources needed to succeed.

By continuing to invest in education and work together on behalf of children, community leaders said the festival remains a powerful example of how partnerships can strengthen families, support teachers, and create brighter futures for the next generation of New Orleans students.