On The Come Up Marketing founder, Martel Tate, poses with community members during last years Back to School Giveaway.
On The Come Up Marketing founder, Martel Tate, poses with community members during last years Back to School Giveaway. Credit: Martel Tate / On The Come Up Marketing

As Cleveland students prepare to go back to the classroom, several schools and community partners are hosting events to help them prepare. These events are designed to get families excited for the upcoming school year while providing resources for students. Check out this list of free events.

Back to School Carnival

Tower City is hosting a Back to School Carnival on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include a stuffed bookbag giveaway for the first 1,000 attendees, a book bag tag craft, carnival rides, games and concessions.

While the event is free, Tower City is asking attendees to register. Tower City is located at 230 W. Huron St. To register and to receive a link for discounted parking, click here. 

Back to School Giveaway

Kids enjoying last years Back to School Giveaway.
Kids enjoying last years Back to School Giveaway. Credit: Martel Tate / On The Come Up Marketing

Martel Tate, founder of On The Come Up Marketing, is looking forward to the organization’s second annual Back to School Giveaway. He started this event to spread love in the community.

“I wanted to do good and spread love,” Tate said. “That’s how I was raised and brought up. We need to bring love back to the city.” 

Tate believes connecting with the younger generation is one of the best ways to make impactful change in the community. 

“As long as you believe in yourself and your higher power, anything is possible. This is for the next generation. I’m just the lead, and I hope they follow.”

On The Come Up Marketing will host its second annual giveaway for children ages 6 and up on Tuesday, Aug. 13, from 2 to 5 p.m. Free backpacks and school supplies, hot dogs and chips, limited hairstyles and haircuts, kid-friendly activities and more will be provided. The first 100 children will be served while supplies last. This event will take place at Mt. Sinai-Friendship United, located at 7510 Woodland Ave.

Back to School Community Giveaway 

Prodigal Son Father’s House is hosting a community giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to  2 p.m. They will hand out 100 bags filled with school supplies and snacks on a first-come, first-served basis. In families with more than one child, children must be present to receive supplies; parents will only be allowed to take supplies for one child.

Prodigal Son Father’s House is located at 7010 St. Clair Ave. Registration is currently closed, but you do not have to register to attend. For more information, click here.

Back 2 School Weekend 

Motivated and Empowered Inc. and Worship at the Joy are partnering with  Union Miles Development Corp. for the Back 2 School Weekend Aug. 16-18 at UMDC. This three-day event features  clothes, plus music, live entertainment, food trucks and other community resources.

School supplies and hairstyling will  be provided on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Corporation is located at 4127 E. 131 St. To register for this event, click here.

Ward 5 Back to School Resource Fair 

Children enjoying arts & crafts at the Signal Cleveland table last year during the Ward 5 Back to School Resource Fair.
Children enjoying arts & crafts at the Signal Cleveland table last year during the Ward 5 Back to School Resource Fair. Credit: Najee Hall / Signal Cleveland

Ward 5 Council Member Richard Starr, in partnership with the Friendly Inn and Burten Bell Carr, will host the annual Ward 5 Back to School Resource Fair on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 12  to 5 p.m. The event will feature a parade, free haircuts, simple braided hairstyles (must come washed and blow dried), community resources, food, live entertainment, games and more. This event will take place at the Friendly Inn, located at 2386 Unwin Rd.

To register for this event or to volunteer to help, click here. 

RGJ Back to School Festival

Robinson G. Jones PreK-8 school is hosting an event on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. Activities will include a resource fair, games and more. The Do-Well Foundation is providing supplies such as notebooks, pens and markers. This event will be held at Robinson G. Jones School, 4550 W. 150th St. For more information or to reserve tickets, click here.

Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.