The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and aims to provide students with the tools they need to start the year strong—offering school supplies, vaccinations, community resources, and entertainment for the entire family.
“This year’s Back-To-School event will be here before you know it, so we encourage families to put it on their calendar,” said Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, president and CEO of PWCCF. “Our goal is to put students in the best position to succeed, and with I-66 EMP as a Silver Sponsor, this event is ready to do exactly that.”
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP) returns as a Silver Sponsor for the second consecutive year, supporting the event with a $5,000 contribution. The company, which operates the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, praised the Foundation’s growing impact.
“For us, it was an easy decision to return as a sponsor of this worthwhile event,” said Nancy H. Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “PWCCF is a wonderful partner to work with, and the number of kids they help prepare for school goes up every year. We’re really looking forward to this year’s Back-To-School event and hope to see families from across the county at Gar-Field High School on August 2.”
The event is held in partnership with Prince William County Public Schools (PWCPS) and regularly draws thousands of attendees, providing backpacks filled with supplies for students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Last year, more than 3,000 backpacks were distributed during a similar event hosted at Unity Reed High School near Manassas, where families also enjoyed food vendors, music, games, and activities such as a hockey experience, fire preparedness sessions, and moon bounces.
In 2024, community organizations including the Sheriff’s Office, Prince William Water, Sentara, and AWS in Communities participated, offering information and resources to families. Superintendent LaTanya D. McDade, Ed.D., and other school staff were on hand to welcome students back.
About PWCCF
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Vanessa M. Gattis, the Prince William County Community Foundation works to improve quality of life for residents through initiatives focused on healthcare, education, well-being, and food security. Programs include scholarships, micro-grants, the C.H.O.W. Wagon food outreach, and the annual Back-to-School Community Event. More information is available at PWCCFoundation.org.
About I-66 Express
The 66 Express Outside the Beltway is a 22.5-mile multi-modal toll road project developed through a public-private partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). I-66 EMP is comprised of infrastructure firms Cintra, Meridiam, and APG, and will operate the roadway through 2066. Learn more at Ride66Express.com.
Event Details
What: 5th Annual Back-to-School Community Event
When: Saturday, August 2, 2025, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Gar-Field Senior High School, 14000 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge, VA
Cost: Free and open to all families with school-aged children
Save the date—and help students start the year ready to thrive.
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