U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) midshipmen and Midshipmen Action Group (MAG) representatives delivered more than two hundred "Back2School" kits to local school officials, Sept. 10.

The Back2School kits, filled with binders, pencils, paper, and other school supplies, were sold out Saturday morning when the Mid Store opened its doors for Navy football fans and parents. The kits will go to children in need at several "Mids for Kids" Schools throughout the greater Annapolis area.

"Mids for Kids" is a community outreach program with more than 200 midshipmen tutoring and mentoring in local public schools. Volunteers visit local elementary and middle schools throughout the week to engage local youth in reading, math, science and leadership skills.

"We really appreciate everything that the midshipmen do to support public schools in the county and beyond," said Teresa Tudor, senior manager for School and Family Partnerships with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. "We are so fortunate to be able to work with MAG on so many different community service projects and are excited by the success of this new venture."

With more than 40 community service projects conducted around the country every year, MAG plans to continue the "Back2School" project in years to come.

"This program started as an idea for a class service project from the class of 2016," said Midshipman 1st Class Eric Kellogg, Class of 2016 president.

Each "Back2School" kit is filled with supplies from a list provided by the Anne Arundel County School District. After receiving the list, midshipmen and members of the Naval Academy Business Services Division pitched in to package 200 kits for the local school children.

"Having the opportunity to help local youth is incredibly rewarding and something we are always excited to do, said Kellog."

The "Mids for Kids" program allows midshipmen the opportunity to assist local teachers with learning, physical education, and one-on-one tutoring. This year midshipmen are engaged in 14 local schools.

"I honestly love doing projects like this," said Midshipman 1st Class Aly Eng, MAG Chief of Staff. "These are the kids that we mentor, play with, and see all the time in the "Mids for Kids" program. A lot of these kids are in need of new supplies, so it feels great to help them out."

"We are very appreciative of the midshipmen's efforts to support "Mids for Kids" schools throughout the greater Annapolis area," said Miriam Stanicic, USNA's community relations director. "By supplying those children who are most in need with school supplies, the midshipmen are doing their part to ensure a positive educational experience."

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