SAN DIEGO — It's that time of the year when students gear up to go back to school, including the children and adults of military families. That's why Support the Enlisted Program and San Diego Unified School District partnered for the 10th annual Cammies to College event.
More than 700 people attended Saturday's event at the Liberty Station Conference Center to get school resources.
"This event is meant to encompass the whole family, so the military spouse that would like to go back to school, the transitioning service member that would like to further their education when they get out of service, the high school seniors that are graduating high school," Tracy Owens, programs manager of STEP said.
They're partnering with San Diego Unified School District, which offers programs for youth in transition, including children of military families.
"PCSing, which is permanent change of station, moving across the country multiple times can be very difficult for students and so we want to put things in place and connect them to resources so they can have feel a sense of belonging in school," Michele Einspar, program manager for Youth in Transition with SDUSD said.
Saturday's event had dozens of booths offering resources from colleges, schools and organizations.
"We have colleges, universities, we have trade schools, we have local recruiters from San Diego police department, fire department, border patrol," Owens said.
"They have this program where people who are about to deploy can read books, and then when they deploy the kids can hear them read the books back to them," Nefretiri Wanzo said.
Wanzo and her daughter Miyonni have been volunteering with STEP for about two years. Along with volunteering Saturday, Wanzo was able to find resources for her and her family as well.
"I, myself, have a neurotypical child as well as a child with autism, both resources I was able to find here to help both my kids," she said.
Wanzo is an active duty military member and is also in a Master's program.
"It's really cool that we are able to help, come out, benefit ourselves and spread the word," Wanzo said.
Along with resources and information, attendees also got backpacks, free school supplies and other goodies.
"Seeing the smiles on our families faces as they go around to all the booths and the kids with their backpacks, we couldn't do what we do without our partners, volunteers and donors, so we are very grateful for them," Owens said.
For more information on STEP and upcoming events, click here. For more information about SDUSD youth in transition programs, click here.
WATCH RELATED: Bags for the Brave 2024 | Hundreds of San Diego County military families receive items they need