The Waterbury Times|Community Events|Aug 19, 2026

WATERBURY, CT — Waterbury Youth Services (WYS) will host its annual Back-to-School Rally on Thursday, Aug. 20, bringing together local youth, families, community organizations, businesses, and partners for a day dedicated to helping Waterbury students prepare for a successful school year.

This year’s event carries special significance as Waterbury Youth Services celebrates 50 years of serving and supporting children, young people, and families throughout the Waterbury community.

The Back-to-School Rally will provide families with access to important school resources, community services, youth activities, and opportunities to connect with organizations that support students throughout the year.

Organizers expect more than 1,000 backpacks to be distributed, along with participation from approximately 50 community vendors and partner organizations.

“While the Back-to-School Rally is an opportunity to make sure young people have what they need to start the school year, it is also about bringing our community together,” said Olivia Dudley, Director of Program Operations at Waterbury Youth Services.

“We are incredibly grateful for the businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community partners who continue to show up for our youth. WYS celebrating 50 years makes this year’s Rally even more meaningful.”

The annual rally reflects Waterbury Youth Services’ long-standing commitment to reducing barriers for young people and connecting families with resources and opportunities.

For five decades, WYS has worked to help youth discover their strengths, develop their potential, and build pathways toward success through programs, services, and community partnerships.

This year’s anniversary theme, “Celebration,” recognizes the organization’s history of community impact while also looking ahead to the future generations of Waterbury youth and families who will benefit from its continued work.

Event Details

Waterbury Youth Services Back-to-School Rally
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Fulton Park, Waterbury, Connecticut

Families are encouraged to attend, connect with local organizations, and take advantage of the resources available during the event.

Waterbury Youth Services thanked its community partners, sponsors, volunteers, staff, and supporters who have helped make the Back-to-School Rally possible and continue to invest in the future of Waterbury’s youth.

For more information about Waterbury Youth Services and its programs, contact Olivia Dudley at 203-573-0264.