Back-To-School Resources for Military-Connected Families
August 7, 2025
The back-to-school season brings excitement and new beginnings, but for many military families, it can also bring added stress. Between buying supplies, preparing emotionally, and staying academically on track, getting ready for a new school year can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, several trusted organizations consistently offer support to ensure military-connected children are set up for success.
Operation Homefront: Back-to-School Brigade
As school supply costs continue to climb, this long-standing initiative has become a trusted resource for military families seeking relief. The Back-to-School Brigade distributes free backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies to military children nationwide.
Events are typically held at military installations and community centers during the summer and are open to children of active-duty, deployed, wounded, or Veteran Service Members. Beyond the supplies themselves, these events provide peace of mind. Showing military-connected families they are supported during this hectic time of year. Registration is usually required and can be completed through Operation Homefront’s website.
USO – School Supply Events
Every summer, USO centers across the country host back-to-school events to help military families gear up for the school year. These events typically include free school supplies like backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, and more. In some locations, kids also enjoy games, treats, or activities that make it a fun and supportive experience for the whole family. Eligibility varies slightly depending on the location but generally includes active-duty, Reserve, and National Guard Service Members and their families. To find out what’s happening near you, visit your local USO center’s website.
Blue Star Families – Blue Star Books
Blue Star Families’ Blue Star Books program gives free age-appropriate books and kits to military‑connected children nationwide. Books are thoughtfully selected to promote literacy, build resilience, and support emotional well‑being in military kids. Events, including occasional in‑person and virtual book giveaways, happen at some military bases and local chapters. These events are not guaranteed in every location or year, so joining their virtual community helps you stay informed. This program is a wonderful way to foster a lifelong love of reading in your child at no cost. Learn more about this program through their website.
Tutor.com
When school gets tough, having access to personalized help at any hour can be a game-changer. Tutor.com offers free, 24/7 online tutoring services for military-connected students ranging from kindergarteners to college-level learners. Whether your child is struggling with a specific subject like algebra or needs help with general reading and writing skills, there’s a qualified tutor available around the clock. This Department of Defense-funded program is available to active-duty military families, as well as eligible Reserve, National Guard, Wounded Warrior, DoD civilian, and surviving family households. There’s no limit to how often students can use the service, making it a year-round tool for academic support and confidence-building.
United Through Reading
Separation during deployment can be difficult for both parents and children, but this program offers a heartwarming way to stay connected. United Through Reading allows deployed or geographically separated Service Members to record themselves reading a book aloud. The recording, along with a physical copy of the book, is then sent home so their child can experience story time with them, even from miles away.
This not only supports early literacy and language development but also provides a comforting and familiar connection during times apart. The program is open to all branches of service and distributes books and recording kits year-round through participating units, events, and installations.
Get Ready for a Great School Year
Every military child deserves to start the school year feeling confident, supported, and ready to learn. Whether your family needs help with supplies, tutoring, or simply staying connected across the miles, these programs offer real solutions to real challenges.
Not sure where to begin? Reach out to your installation’s School Liaison Officer, who can help you navigate both national and local resources tailored to your child’s specific needs.
About the Author
Dallas Green served in the U.S. Air Force for 5 years. She began her journey with Soldiers’ Angels as a SkillBridge Marketing Intern and now continues to support their mission as a Veteran Intern while pursuing her bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University.
