Project Backpack Celebrates a Decade of Empowering Students and Community

Ten Years of Supporting Education and Community Through Project Backpack

 
Having been born and raised in Detroit, I know firsthand what a unique, diverse, and special community it is. Detroit has given me, my family, and my law firm so much over the years, and I make it a point to try and give back as much as possible. It was instilled in me early on by my dad, Joel Morse, that as a lawyer, I have a responsibility to not only fight for my clients but to help make the world around me better. As part of this commitment, I’ve established Project Backpack, a program that provides backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need. As we mark Project Backpack’s tenth year, we’re honored to champion education and community through our continued partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District and addition of Cornerstone Schools.

Project Backpack’s Mission

 
Project Backpack embodies the core values of the Mike Morse Law Firm, placing education and community at the forefront of our philanthropic efforts. Since 2013, we’ve strived to equip local area students with the necessary resources and supplies to succeed academically. Since its inception, the program has distributed over 300,000 backpacks, empowering students to achieve their full potential, helping to foster a positive learning environment and getting them excited for the school year ahead.

Education and Community Engagement Priorities

 
We recognize that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and, as such, understand the importance of investing in the next generation. Through community initiatives like Project Backpack, our Winning in the Community Scholarship, and the Joel Morse Endowed Scholarship amongst other philanthropic ventures, we strive to actively contribute to equal educational opportunities for all students. A well-educated, diverse community enriches our entire society as a whole; so we make it a point to provide opportunities and support students who may be overlooked.

Partnering with Cornerstone Schools

 
This year, my firm and I is proud to collaborate with Cornerstone Schools, a renowned tuition-free charter school system in Metro Detroit that serves students K-12. Cornerstone Schools embody the mission of providing quality education to students who may otherwise face barriers to academic success. By offering a safe and nurturing environment, Cornerstone Schools equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in their academic journey. To support their mission, the law firm will provide backpacks to students at all four K-5 Cornerstone school locations. The backpacks contain pencils, crayons, folders, scissors, glue, paper, a pencil pouch, and a pencil sharpener —all the things needed to start the year off right.

Thousands of school children go without backpacks and the essential supplies they need to succeed in school — in Metro Detroit alone. This unequal distribution of opportunity and resources has inspired us to bring Project Backpack to as many communities as possible. But we need to do more. We need to do better. I’m going to try and keep giving until every student in Michigan who needs a backpack gets one.

Ongoing Collaboration with Detroit Public Schools Community District

 
Project Backpack started ten years ago when we visited Wayne Elementary School and provided 400 backpacks to students. Seeing not only the need but  also the excitement on the students’ faces made me realize I needed to do more… and this was just the start of something big!

We proudly continue our partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District by distributing backpacks filled with supplies to K-5 students at various DPSCD Back to School Expo locations on August 5th. DPSCD students are also welcome to pick up their backpacks at the Big Tent Backpack Event on August 12th.

The Big Tent Backpack Event

 
A highlight of Project Backpack is our annual Big Tent Backpack Event, which will occur from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 12th, 2023. This exciting event occurs at the law firm’s parking lot and brings together community members, volunteers, and Mike Morse Law Firm staff to celebrate education and provide hundreds of backpacks to students in a festive atmosphere that includes giveaways, games, music, food trucks, and more. The Big Tent Backpack Event serves as a rallying point for the community, encouraging everyone to participate in the collective effort of assisting local students and fostering a sense of unity, engagement, and back-to-school fun. What better way to get pumped for the school year ahead?

Expansion and Impact

 
The impact of Project Backpack extends far beyond Metro Detroit. Since its inception, we’ve helped establish similar programs in over a dozen states across the country, exponentially growing the program’s reach. By collaborating with other law firms and organizations nationwide, tens of thousands of students have received the need to academically thrive, pursue their dreams, and welcome the upcoming school year with excitement and hope.

Each year, Project Backpack grows more and more. It’s what I always hoped for when I began this program ten years ago. I want to ensure that the kids of Detroit, the surrounding communities, and beyond have the tools they need for a successful school year – that’s what Project Backpack is all about. And we will continue to make each year bigger and better than the last!

Content checked by Mike Morse, personal injury attorney with Mike Morse Injury Law Firm. Mike Morse is the founder of Mike Morse Law Firm, the largest personal injury law firm in Michigan. Since being founded in 1995, Mike Morse Law Firm has grown to 150 employees, served 25,000 clients, and collected more than $1 billion for victims of auto, truck and motorcycle accidents. The main office is in Southfield, MI but you can also find us in Detroit, Sterling Heights and many other locations.