An exciting opportunity for our students came to Karner Blue!
Northeast Metro 916 has partnered with Soles4Souls for four years to provide nearly 1,000 pairs of sneakers to students across 916 and our member districts. This collaboration has focused on supporting students experiencing homelessness or in foster care, with our 916 McKinney-Vento Liaison working closely with member district McKinney-Vento Liaisons to prioritize these students. This partnership ensures that vulnerable students receive essential support, fostering equity and meeting critical needs in our communities.
Soles4Souls, a nonprofit organization that receives shoe and clothing donations and distributes the donated items worldwide, hosted a pop-up sneaker shop at Karner Blue Education Center. Students from Karner Blue Education Center, Bellaire Education Center, and Pankalo Education Center and middle schoolers from Quora Secondary School all had the opportunity to receive a pair of shoes, regardless of housing or income status.
Since starting in 2020, the data Soles4Souls has collected from distributions thus far has revealed many positive changes in the lives of students:
- 79% shared that shoes were one of their greatest needs
- 89% reported having an increase in physical activity
- 4 out of 5 students reported feeling more equal to other kids in school with their new shoes
- 80% of students said they were more excited to attend & participate in school with their new shoes
- 54% of youth have better school attendance once they receive new shoes
- 96% of partners said 4EK increased confidence in their students (Students also said they felt more accepted, valued, and proud)
