Johns Hopkins Adopt-a-Student Uniform Drive continues through next week

The third annual Johns Hopkins Adopt-a-Student Uniform Drive is under way, and the number of students in need continues to grow.

A $40 donation can provide a single Baltimore City Public Schools student with two uniforms and help prepare him or her for the upcoming school year. For more information or to make a donation, visit http://hopkinsworklife.org. All donations must be received by Aug. 12.

Contributions to the uniform drives in 2011 and 2012 made it possible for more than 900 elementary, middle, and high school students to begin the school year with new uniforms.

"From all reports, you made a significant difference in the academic experience of these children and the learning environment in their schools," President Ronald J. Daniels wrote in a message to Johns Hopkins faculty and staff last week.

The uniform drive, led by the Office of Work, Life, and Engagement, began in 2011 with a modest goal of sponsoring uniforms for 30 students. Contributions far exceeded the goal, and 120 students at 23 schools received two uniforms each.

Last year, 800 students from 135 schools were sponsored.

Baltimore City Public Schools has seen a strong correlation between student access to school uniforms and student attendance. Starting the school year with new uniforms helps build confidence in students and allows them to better focus on classwork.