Troy University’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences supports children of incarcerated mothers through Pack the Bus initiative

August 19, 2026 - 02:35

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Troy University is stepping up to support a vulnerable group of students this year. Through its Pack the Bus initiative, the college is collecting essential school supplies for children across Alabama whose mothers are incarcerated. The effort is a partnership with Aid to Inmate Moms and the university's Anthropology Club, bringing together faculty, students, and local community members for a common cause.

Organizers say the goal is to ease some of the burden on families who are already facing significant challenges. By providing backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, and other classroom necessities, the initiative aims to give these children a better chance at a successful school year. The drive also highlights the broader need for community involvement in supporting families affected by the criminal justice system.

The response from the TROY community has been strong, with donations pouring in from across campus. Volunteers spent time sorting and packing the supplies to ensure each child receives what they need. For the college, the project is more than just a charity drive. It is a hands-on lesson in social responsibility for future educators and behavioral science professionals, showing them the real-world barriers some students face before they ever walk into a classroom. The initiative reinforces the college's commitment to service and its dedication to improving outcomes for all children in the state.