LA Students Gear Up for School at Dodgers' and Kershaw's Challenge Bash Event

How do you prepare to go back to school?

With a backpack and school supply giveaway.

A successful school year begins with the right supplies. The journey for more than 1,500 Los Angeles students started today at Dodger Stadium.

^{Graphic courtesy: Los Angeles Dodgers}

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Kershaw’s Challenge organized the first 2026 Back to School Bash at UNIQLO Field, inviting students from the Dodgers Dreamteam and some Los Angeles Unified School District schools for a morning of support, readiness, and community.

A Day of Giving Back

Families began arriving through the Centerfield gates at 9 a.m., where they were greeted with activities designed to help students head into the new school year with confidence.

LADodgers_Kerhaw-Back2School #2 — ^{Clayton Kershaw’s Back to School Bash (photo by Diana Castro for Hollywood Beat mag.)}

Centerfield Plaza transformed into a celebration for students and their families. Guests enjoyed giveaway booths, photo opportunities, Fun Zones, music, food, and stations filled with backpacks and school supplies.

Former Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw was on hand to welcome attendees and celebrate the special event.

Subscribe to Hollywood Beat magazine to receive updates in your mailbox.

Kershaw’s Challenge Continues Its Mission

“We are thrilled to kick off a new chapter with our friends, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. We love the city of L.A. and it is a joy to continue the work of Kershaw’s Challenge with such trusted partners…

Backpacks, families and community, nothing better!” said Ellen and Clayton Kershaw, founders of Kershaw’s Challenge.

Along with school supplies, families got non-perishable food items thanks to General Mills.

The food distribution featured Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Nature Valley bars, Gushers, Fruit by the Foot, and Pillsbury goodies.

Starting the School Year Strong

The first Back to School Bash showed how important community partnerships can be.

The Dodgers, Kershaw’s Challenge, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation provided school supplies, food, and a fun day at Dodger Stadium, helping students start the school year feeling ready and supported.