Back-to-School Costs: How One Voice Arkansas Is Giving Back

As Arkansas families gear up for the 2025 school year, back-to-school costs in Arkansas are reaching record highs. What was once a hopeful season of fresh notebooks and new shoes is now marked by rising prices, tighter budgets, and growing anxiety. This year, new tariffs on imported school supplies and clothing could push prices even higher—making it harder than ever for parents, caregivers, and teachers to afford the basics.

At One Voice Arkansas, we know that for families raising a child with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), back-to-school isn’t just about new gear—it’s about preparing for a school year full of challenges, advocacy, and hope. That’s why we’re stepping in with a giveaway that honors the educators who make a real difference every day.

Key Back-to-School Costs in 2025

• Prices are surging. School supply costs have jumped nearly 30% over the past five years, and this year alone, essentials like backpacks, pens, calculators, and shoes are expected to rise another 12–15%.

• Families are shopping smarter. To beat late-season markups, 67% of families started shopping by July, taking advantage of early deals and Prime Day sales.

• Budgets are shifting. Nearly 40% of families are switching brands or stores, and 1 in 4 parents say they’ll be buying fewer supplies this year just to stay on budget.

• Teachers are absorbing the impact. With family contributions shrinking, educators are increasingly expected to fill the gap—often using their own limited funds to purchase basic classroom supplies.

Why It Matters to One Voice Arkansas

For families raising children with CAS, the burden of rising back-to-school costs goes beyond pencils and paper. Between speech therapy sessions, travel to specialists, and the emotional weight of advocacy, financial strain is a constant companion. And for educators, supporting a child with speech challenges means investing in visual aids, flexible tools, and inclusive resources that often aren’t provided by schools.

That’s why One Voice Arkansas is proud to announce our Annual Teacher Cart Giveaway—a heartfelt thank-you to the teachers who create inclusive spaces where every child, including those with CAS, can learn and thrive.

What’s in the Teacher Cart?

Our $500 classroom cart is stocked with the essentials that educators often reach into their own wallets to buy:

• Markers, sticky notes, and glue

• A laminator for durable visual supports

• Gift cards to help with restocking

• Thoughtful extras that make a big difference in a child’s daily learning experience

How You Can Help—and Save

• Shop Early, Save More: Beat inflation by taking advantage of back-to-school sales in July and early August.

• Use Savings Tools: Platforms like Honey and Rakuten help you stack coupons and earn cash back—every dollar counts.

• Enter the Giveaway: Nominate yourself or a favorite teacher to win a fully stocked Teacher Cart. See entry details below.

• Spread the Word: Tag, share, and uplift the educators who go above and beyond. Every post helps raise awareness.

Giveaway Details

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know when our giveaway officially launches and to learn how you can support a classroom hero!

Together, We Build Inclusive Classrooms

At One Voice Arkansas, we believe that every child deserves to be heard—and that starts with classrooms equipped to support every learner. Whether you're a parent navigating CAS, a teacher going the extra mile, or a community member ready to help, we invite you to join us in building a more inclusive Arkansas.

One Voice Arkansas is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering families affected by Childhood Apraxia of Speech through education, advocacy, and connection.