{"id":15,"date":"2021-05-03T18:05:56","date_gmt":"2021-05-03T18:05:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/?page_id=15"},"modified":"2025-07-23T18:41:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T18:41:30","slug":"mission-vision","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/mission-vision\/","title":{"rendered":"Mission & Vision"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_image src=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Mask-group-3.png” title_text=”Mask group (3)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_image][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100vw” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Rectangle-3463339.png” title_text=”Rectangle 3463339″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_block_reveal_text block_reveal_text=”Mission” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”60px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_block_reveal_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”DM Sans||||||||” text_font_size=”25px” text_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span>Our Back2School Program aims to make schooling more accessible to students in need and ensure they can excel by providing support to students, parents, and teachers in the form of tools and resources, grants and funding, and educational seminars.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][dsm_block_reveal_text block_reveal_text=”VISION” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”60px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_block_reveal_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”DM Sans||||||||” text_font_size=”25px” text_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/span>We envision an environment where every child, parent, and teacher in the United States has the tools they need to make schooling a positive and holistic experience as it should be. A country where every student is given an environment to flourish and reach their full potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][dsm_button button_one_text=”Donate Today” button_one_url=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/donation\/” button_two_text=”Volunteer Today” button_two_url=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/volunteer\/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_one_bg_color=”gcid-069171e1-25f1-4b33-8a58-32a1895bfc2d” button_one_border_color=”gcid-069171e1-25f1-4b33-8a58-32a1895bfc2d” button_one_border_radius=”30px” button_one_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” custom_button_two=”on” button_two_text_color=”#000000″ button_two_bg_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_two_border_color=”#000000″ button_two_border_radius=”30px” button_two_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-069171e1-25f1-4b33-8a58-32a1895bfc2d%22:%91%22button_one_bg_color%22,%22button_one_border_color%22,%22button_one_bg_color%22,%22button_one_border_color%22%93}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100vw” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider color=”#add476″ divider_weight=”19px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100vw” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_block_reveal_text block_reveal_text=”WHY” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”60px” background_image=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Isolation-Mode.png” background_size=”initial” custom_padding=”2vh||2vh||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_block_reveal_text][et_pb_blurb title=”POVERTY & LEARNING” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”40px” body_font=”DM Sans||||||||” body_font_size=”25px” body_line_height=”1.6em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span>\u201cThe impact of poverty on a child\u2019s academic achievement is significant and starts early,\u201d says Jonah Edelman, Ph.D., co-founder, and chief executive officer of Stand for Children, a nonprofit education advocacy organization. \u201cYoung children growing up in poverty face challenges with cognitive and literary ability and [often] begin school both academically and socioeconomically behind their peers from higher-income backgrounds\u201d (Taylor, 2017).<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/image-4.png” title_text=”image (4)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” border_width_all=”10px” border_color_all=”#47afb8″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ use_custom_gutter=”on” specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100vw” inner_max_width=”100vw” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_block_reveal_text block_reveal_text=”HOW” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”60px” background_image=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Isolation-Mode.png” background_size=”initial” custom_padding=”2vh||2vh||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_block_reveal_text][et_pb_blurb title=”SUPPLIES MATTER” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”40px” body_font=”DM Sans||||||||” body_font_size=”25px” body_line_height=”1.6em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/span>Many point to the need for increased funding to attain a good education. But funding does not matter if it does not translate to the right supplies for students. The right supplies:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Help Students Feel Prepared\u2028\u00a0
\u2022 Provide Hands-On Learning\u2028\u00a0
\u2022 Foster a Creative Classroom\u2028
\u2022 Limit Disruptions\u2028
\u2022 Help Students Keep Track of Everything<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][dsm_button button_one_text=”Donate Today” button_one_url=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/donation\/” button_two_text=”Volunteer Today” button_two_url=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/volunteer\/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button_one=”on” button_one_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_one_bg_color=”gcid-069171e1-25f1-4b33-8a58-32a1895bfc2d” button_one_border_color=”gcid-069171e1-25f1-4b33-8a58-32a1895bfc2d” button_one_border_radius=”30px” button_one_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” custom_button_two=”on” button_two_text_color=”#000000″ button_two_bg_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_two_border_color=”#000000″ button_two_border_radius=”30px” button_two_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-069171e1-25f1-4b33-8a58-32a1895bfc2d%22:%91%22button_one_bg_color%22,%22button_one_border_color%22,%22button_one_bg_color%22,%22button_one_border_color%22%93}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ 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src=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Mask-group-5.png” title_text=”Mask group (5)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column_inner][\/et_pb_row_inner][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#d1e9f1″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Vector-1.png” background_size=”initial” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_block_reveal_text block_reveal_text=”OUR TEAM” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”60px” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” custom_padding=”2vh||2vh||true|false” header_text_shadow_style=”preset5″ header_text_shadow_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_block_reveal_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Group.png” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_block_reveal_text block_reveal_text=”NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF BACK2SCHOOL” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”51px” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” custom_padding=”2vh||2vh||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_block_reveal_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100vw” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_blurb title=”Sr. Zoubeida Ahmed” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”40px” body_font=”DM Sans||||||||” body_font_size=”25px” body_line_height=”1.6em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Zoubeida Ahmed, also known as Sister Zuby, has been an integral member of the ICNA Relief team since 2019, where she currently serves as the Back2School Program Manager and Chicago Grant Manager. With over 14 years of experience in the non-profit sector and a strong educational background in Business Administration and Computer Science, Sister Zuby brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to her role, consistently driving results that positively impact communities.<\/p>\n

She has successfully launched several key initiatives throughout her tenure, including the EMPOWER Grant, Student Financial Assistance, and Parent Support through Parent Support Live Sessions as part of the Back2School Program. Her leadership extends to managing essential grant processes that support vital community projects. As an Agile Servant Leader, she fosters collaboration, streamlines processes, and delivers impactful programs efficiently, ensuring sustainable outcomes for the communities served.<\/p>\n

Guided by integrity, honesty, excellence, and compassion, Sister Zuby is committed to empowering individuals and helping communities lead dignified lives aligned with Islamic values. She aspires to make a significant difference in the lives of many.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/ZubyAhmed.png” title_text=”ZubyAhmed” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Group-1.png” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_block_reveal_text block_reveal_text=”CORE TEAM MEMBERS” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”51px” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” custom_padding=”2vh||2vh||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_block_reveal_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100vw” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Group-1410097737.png” title_text=”Group 1410097737″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”ABDULLAH ZIKRIA” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”40px” body_font=”DM Sans||||||||” body_font_size=”25px” body_line_height=”1.6em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span>Abdullah Zikria has been with ICNA Relief for the past four years. He is currently area manager of four major counties and works to expand services to different cities in Southern California while building strong bonds with supporters of ICNA Relief. In addition, he supports the national offices with event planning for fundraisers and banquets and is a participating member of the Back2School Program. Outside of work, Abdullah is a husband and father of two daughters.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Group-1410097739.png” title_text=”Group 1410097739″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”ASMA JARAD” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”40px” body_font=”DM Sans||||||||” body_font_size=”25px” body_line_height=”1.6em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/span>Content Strategist & Back2School Program Liaison<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/span>Asma Jarad holds a Master\u2019s in English and specializes in crafting content that amplifies ICNA Relief\u2019s mission. As a Back2School Program Liaison since 2023, she supports outreach and storytelling that connect underserved families with resources while championing education, inclusion, and service.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100vw” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Group-1410097742.png” title_text=”Group 1410097742″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”SALMAN SIDDIQUI” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”40px” body_font=”DM Sans||||||||” body_font_size=”25px” body_line_height=”1.6em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/span>Salman Siddiqui moved to the United States of America at the age of four to receive an heart operation. As a result, he uses this life he was given to help uses it to help others in need. His love for life and people has brought him to work at ICNA Relief.<\/p>\n

He is a father of three children and sometime acts like the fourth kid in his family. He devotes his free time to coaching local sports with kids from the Muslim community.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/07\/Group-1410097743.png” title_text=”Group 1410097743″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb title=”MEENA KHALIL” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#47afb8″ header_font_size=”40px” body_font=”DM Sans||||||||” body_font_size=”25px” body_line_height=”1.6em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/span>Refugee Services Coordinator & Back2School
<\/strong>Program Lead, DMV Region<\/strong>
Meena Khalil is a multilingual case manager and passionate advocate for underserved families. She has led Back2School efforts in the DMV region since 2022 and currently serves as Refugee Services Coordinator. Meena is pursuing a degree in Psychology and was recently honored as a 2024 Academic Presidential Scholar and Community Rising Star.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mission<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>Our Back2School Program aims to make schooling more accessible to students in need and ensure they can excel by providing support to students, parents, and teachers in the form of tools and resources, grants and funding, and educational seminars.
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VISION<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>We envision an environment where every child, parent, and teacher in the United States has the tools they need to make schooling a positive and holistic experience as it should be. A country where every student is given an environment to flourish and reach their full potential.
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\n\t\t\t\tDonate Today<\/span><\/a>Volunteer Today<\/span><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
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WHY<\/h2><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\u201cThe impact of poverty on a child\u2019s academic achievement is significant and starts early,\u201d says Jonah Edelman, Ph.D., co-founder, and chief executive officer of Stand for Children, a nonprofit education advocacy organization. \u201cYoung children growing up in poverty face challenges with cognitive and literary ability and [often] begin school both academically and socioeconomically behind their peers from higher-income backgrounds\u201d […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[vc_row full_width=\"stretch_row\" full_height=\"yes\" parallax=\"content-moving\" css=\".vc_custom_1621992278953{background-image: url(https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2021\/05\/b2s.png?id=96) !important;background-position: center;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}\"][vc_column width=\"1\/2\"][vc_custom_heading text=\"ABOUT BACK2SCHOOL\" font_container=\"tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff\" google_fonts=\"font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_column_text]Learn more below about the driving force behind the mission and vision of ICNA Relief's Back2School Program!<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/2\"][vc_btn title=\"Our Programs\" style=\"custom\" custom_background=\"#ed8733\" custom_text=\"#ffffff\" shape=\"square\" align=\"center\" button_block=\"true\" link=\"url:https%3A%2F%2Ficnarelief.org%2Fback2school%2Fprograms%2F|title:Programs|target:%20_blank|\"][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/2\"][vc_btn title=\"Ways To Give\" style=\"custom\" custom_background=\"#8bd4db\" custom_text=\"#ffffff\" shape=\"square\" align=\"center\" button_block=\"true\" link=\"url:https%3A%2F%2Ficnarelief.org%2Fback2school%2Fways-to-give%2F|title:Ways%20to%20Give|target:%20_blank|\"][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1\/2\"][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=\"stretch_row\" equal_height=\"yes\" css=\".vc_custom_1622843903146{background-image: url(https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2021\/05\/b2s-3.png?id=110) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}\"][vc_column width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2\/3\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_row_inner content_placement=\"top\"][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/4\"][vc_custom_heading text=\"MISSION\" font_container=\"tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:center|color:%23000000\" google_fonts=\"font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal\" css_animation=\"fadeIn\"][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"3\/4\"][vc_column_text css_animation=\"fadeIn\"]\r\n

Our Back2School Program aims to make schooling more accessible to students in need and ensure they can excel by providing support to students, parents, and teachers in the form of tools and resources, grants and funding, and educational seminars.<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_row_inner content_placement=\"top\"][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/4\"][vc_custom_heading text=\"VISION\" font_container=\"tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:center|color:%23000000\" google_fonts=\"font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal\" css_animation=\"fadeIn\"][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"3\/4\"][vc_column_text css_animation=\"fadeIn\"]\r\n

We envision an environment where every child, parent, and teacher in the United States has the tools they need to make schooling a positive and holistic experience as it should be. A country where every student is given an environment to flourish and reach their full potential.<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=\"stretch_row\" content_placement=\"middle\" css=\".vc_custom_1622847091576{background-color: #ed8733 !important;}\"][vc_column width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2\/3\"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2\/3\"][vc_custom_heading text=\"WHY\" font_container=\"tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff\" google_fonts=\"font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal\" css_animation=\"fadeInLeft\"][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=\"stretch_row\"][vc_column width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2\/3\"][vc_row_inner content_placement=\"middle\" gap=\"35\"][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/2\"][vc_custom_heading text=\"POVERTY & LEARNING\" font_container=\"tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left|color:%23000000\" google_fonts=\"font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal\" css_animation=\"fadeIn\"][vc_empty_space height=\"10px\"][vc_column_text css_animation=\"fadeIn\"]\r\n

\"The impact of poverty on a child\u2019s academic achievement is significant and starts early,\u201d says Jonah Edelman, Ph.D., co-founder, and chief executive officer of Stand for Children, a nonprofit education advocacy organization. \u201cYoung children growing up in poverty face challenges with cognitive and literary ability and [often] begin school both academically and socioeconomically behind their peers from higher-income backgrounds\" (Taylor, 2017).<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/2\" css=\".vc_custom_1622847861628{background-image: url(https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2021\/06\/b2s-19.png?id=273) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"314\" img_size=\"full\" alignment=\"center\" style=\"vc_box_shadow_border\" onclick=\"img_link_large\" css_animation=\"none\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=\"stretch_row\" content_placement=\"middle\" css=\".vc_custom_1622847313501{background-color: #7ad2dc !important;}\"][vc_column width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2\/3\"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"2\/3\"][vc_custom_heading text=\"HOW\" font_container=\"tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff\" google_fonts=\"font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal\" css_animation=\"fadeInRight\"][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=\"stretch_row\"][vc_column width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"2\/3\"][vc_row_inner content_placement=\"middle\" gap=\"35\"][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/2\" css=\".vc_custom_1622847361786{background-image: url(https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2021\/06\/b2s-19.png?id=273) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][vc_single_image image=\"317\" img_size=\"medium\" alignment=\"center\" style=\"vc_box_shadow_border\" onclick=\"img_link_large\" css_animation=\"none\"][vc_empty_space height=\"15px\"][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=\"1\/2\"][vc_custom_heading text=\"SUPPLIES MATTER\" font_container=\"tag:h2|font_size:35|text_align:left|color:%23000000\" google_fonts=\"font_family:Open%20Sans%3A300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C600%2C600italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C800%2C800italic|font_style:600%20bold%20regular%3A600%3Anormal\" css_animation=\"fadeInUp\"][vc_empty_space height=\"10px\"][vc_column_text css_animation=\"fadeIn\"]\r\n\r\nMany point to the need for increased funding to attain a good education. But funding does not matter if it does not translate to the right supplies for students. The right supplies:<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2022 Help Students Feel Prepared<\/span>\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2022 Provide Hands-On Learning<\/span>\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2022 Foster a Creative Classroom<\/span>\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2022 Limit Disruptions<\/span>\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2022 Help Students Keep Track of Everything<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1\/6\"][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"jakob","author_link":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/author\/jakob\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":null,"rttpg_excerpt":"[dsm_block_reveal_text block_reveal_text=\"Mission\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_font=\"DM Sans|700|||||||\" header_text_align=\"left\" header_text_color=\"#47afb8\" header_font_size=\"60px\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" theme_builder_area=\"post_content\"][\/dsm_block_reveal_text]Our Back2School Program aims to make schooling more accessible to students in need and ensure they can excel by providing support to students, parents, and teachers in the form of tools and resources, grants and funding, and educational seminars.[dsm_block_reveal_text block_reveal_text=\"VISION\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_font=\"DM Sans|700|||||||\" header_text_align=\"left\"…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1519,"href":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15\/revisions\/1519"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/icnarelief.org\/back2school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}