DES MOINES, Iowa — Caitlin Clark made a heartwarming appearance at North High School in Des Moines on Friday afternoon, showcasing the impact of her foundation’s “Back to School Backpacks” initiative. This program, aimed at supporting local students, successfully distributed over 350 backpacks filled with essential school supplies.

The Indiana Fever rookie guard, who attended Dowling Catholic in West Des Moines before making her mark at the University of Iowa, spoke passionately during the event. She offered words of encouragement and motivation for the upcoming school year, emphasizing the importance of education and access to necessary tools for success.

Clark reflected on her own educational journey, saying, “I know how fortunate I was to have a strong education and access to tools that allowed me to be successful in the classroom. School supplies are essential for every student’s learning and development, and The Caitlin Clark Foundation is grateful to our sponsors for their support in making this event possible.”

The initiative saw contributions from major brands, with Nike providing the backpacks, Hy-Vee supplying the school supplies, and Gatorade adding a water bottle to each bag. The Caitlin Clark Foundation, which focuses on education, nutrition, and sports, aims to support students in achieving academic success and building confidence through learning.

Dr. Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, praised Clark’s generosity and dedication. “Caitlin Clark is not only one of the world’s most talented and best-known athletes, she is also a generous soul. She knows that when you succeed, you should give a little something back to help others succeed, and that’s exactly what she did today. We were excited to welcome Caitlin to North High School today to meet students from across the district, and are honored to count the Caitlin Clark Foundation as a new DMPS partner in our important work of providing a quality education to the students of Des Moines.”

The event highlighted Clark’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting the next generation of students. Her foundation’s initiative not only provided essential supplies but also inspired and motivated students to strive for excellence in their academic endeavors. The collaboration with sponsors like Nike, Hy-Vee, and Gatorade underscored the importance of community support in fostering educational success.

As students prepare for the new school year, the Caitlin Clark Foundation’s “Back to School Backpacks” initiative serves as a reminder of the positive impact that individuals and organizations can have on education. By providing the necessary tools and encouragement, Clark and her foundation are helping to pave the way for a brighter future for the students of Des Moines.