At a bustling West Side warehouse, families gathered on a Saturday afternoon. Jacob Williams, a soon-to-be seventh grader, watched his hair fall to the floor as he received a much-needed haircut. This service, along with others, was offered free of charge at the annual Back-2-School Summer Jam event.
Jacob’s mother, Tasha Williams, expressed her satisfaction with the event. “Seeing the barber chairs made Jacob excited,” she said, adding that the free services filled her with assurance about her son’s readiness for the upcoming school year at KIPP Academy. In addition to haircuts, families could access free dental cleanings and vaccines.
Among the lively activities, Luna Leos, a first-grade student, had her face painted, enjoying the event organized by the Chicago Teachers Union at the CTU Center. This initiative, held on August 15, 2026, provided free backpacks, haircuts, books, and entertainment for children gearing up for a new school year.
“These events are eye-opening,” stated Tasha Williams. “You become aware of so many community programs.” Hundreds of parents like her attended the Summer Jam hosted by the Chicago Teachers Union, preparing students for their return to classes on August 24. With rising costs, free supplies were invaluable. Federal inflation data indicated a 1.2% increase in educational book and supply costs compared to the previous summer. Over a decade, these prices have increased by over 14%.
Last year, 73% of CPS students were classified as low-income, receiving benefits from programs such as SNAP or TANF. This year’s event attracted more than 800 preregistered families, with additional attendees anticipated. For many parents, accessing multiple services in a single location alleviates the challenge of scheduling appointments around work commitments.
Tasha Williams noted, “It’s tough to get a doctor appointment before school starts, but here, we handle everything at once.” Residents of Garfield Park appreciated this convenience, recognizing it as a ‘one-stop shop.’
Other kids, like seventh-grader Raeshawn Willis, arrived with family members. His uncle, Chris Brown, has accompanied him for three years, seeing a boost in Raeshawn’s confidence as he engages with the activities provided. Brown emphasized the meaningful support from the Chicago Teachers Union, reflecting on his own childhood experiences with a sense of nostalgia.
Organized for outdoor enjoyment, the event relocated indoors at CTU headquarters due to weather conditions. Despite the canceled dunk tank, the event’s spirit remained high. Children danced to music from a DJ, took breaks for treats like free tacos and ice cream, and selected backpacks filled with essential items.
John Conrad, a special education teacher at Madero Middle School, highlighted the importance of free books available at the event. “Physical texts provide an opportunity for learning,” he stated, finding inspiration in preparing students for future success.
The community event concluded with a palpable sense of enthusiasm, both from educators and students eager to embrace the upcoming school year.