If These Nonprofits Were Back-to-School Essentials…
- MissionEB
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
It’s that time of year. Backpacks are packed, pencils are sharpened, and the scent of fresh notebooks is in the air. In the spirit of back-to-school season, we’re comparing some incredible St. Louis nonprofits to the Back-to-School supplies you couldn’t start the year without.
But we’re not stopping at fun metaphors. We’re also spotlighting what makes each organization a great place to work, from supportive cultures to powerful missions.
🎒 American Heart Association of Greater St. Louis
Back-to-School Match: The Backpack
Reliable, mission-driven, and always prepared—this organization is the sturdy foundation carrying life-saving resources and public education.
Why work here:
AHA offers a purpose-filled culture where health advocacy meets innovation. Employees are passionate, collaborative, and inspired by the tangible impact they make on community health—especially around heart disease and stroke prevention.
👠 Connections to Success Inc
Back-to-School Match: The First-Day Outfit
Confidence-boosting and transformative—just like a killer first impression, this nonprofit helps people step into their next chapter ready for success.
Why work here:
Staff at Connections to Success feel the impact daily—helping individuals move from poverty to self-sufficiency. The culture is rooted in empowerment, mentorship, and second chances, with a supportive team that celebrates wins big and small.
📓 Coalition Life
Back-to-School Match: The Pocket Planner
Organized, values-driven, and focused on every detail—this team provides structure and guidance to those navigating life’s biggest decisions.
Why work here:
For those drawn to mission-first environments, Coalition Life offers deeply meaningful work, supportive team dynamics, and opportunities to lead within a faith-based setting that champions family and dignity.
🎨 Laumeier Sculpture Park
Back-to-School Match: The Art Box
Colorful, inspiring, and full of creativity—Laumeier is where expression meets community in the most open-air way possible.
Why work here:
With a culture steeped in creativity, Laumeier fosters collaboration between artists, curators, and the public. Team members enjoy a dynamic, outdoorsy workplace that brings arts and education together in powerful ways.
🥪 HomeWell Care Services
Back-to-School Match: The Lunchbox
Comforting, consistent, and always there when you need it—HomeWell supports families and individuals with food, housing, and dignity.
Why work here:
Employees here are part of a kindhearted, boots-on-the-ground culture. There’s a strong sense of purpose, and the leadership encourages innovation in serving vulnerable populations.
🔔 Unlimited Play
Back-to-School Match: The Recess Bell
Joyful, inclusive, and built for everyone—this nonprofit makes sure all kids get to play.
Why work here:
Unlimited Play champions accessibility and fun. Employees often cite how energizing it is to watch playgrounds come to life, knowing they’re building spaces that invite every child—regardless of ability—to join in.
🗺️ St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Back-to-School Match: The Classroom Map
Guiding students toward confidence and independence, this organization helps individuals navigate the world with new skills and greater clarity.
Why work here:
This is a mission-driven team dedicated to helping people of all ages thrive with vision loss—offering adaptive tools, mobility training, and confidence-building programs. Employees describe a workplace culture that’s compassionate, team-oriented, and rich with purpose. Whether you're a specialist, therapist, or program leader, you’ll play a part in helping people find new paths forward.
🔣 Arch Grants
Back-to-School Match: The Scientific Calculator
High-tech, high-powered, and ready to scale—Arch Grants is the tool that helps startups solve big problems.
Why work here:
Team members help launch and grow promising businesses while boosting the St. Louis economy. The culture is entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and full of big-thinking energy.
📚 St. Louis Small Business Empowerment Center
Back-to-School Match: The Study Guide
Helping small businesses pass the test—this nonprofit provides guidance, tools, and confidence to succeed.
Why work here:
Passionate about economic equity? Join a team making direct, meaningful change by supporting entrepreneurs from underserved communities. It’s practical work with huge social impact.
🧼 Care to Learn
Back-to-School Match: The Hygiene Kit
Often overlooked but absolutely essential. Care to Learn ensures students have what they need to feel secure, clean, and confident.
Why work here:
Working here means stepping into the gap where schools can't. The culture is solution-oriented, youth-focused, and driven by a belief that no child should miss school for lack of basic needs.
🗣 Family Advocacy & Community Training (F.A.C.T.)
Back-to-School Match: The Parent/Teacher Conference
This organization speaks up, listens hard, and makes sure families are seen and heard in every classroom.
Why work here:
F.A.C.T. is an inclusive, mission-led environment where employee voices matter as much as the families they serve. If you're passionate about special education, advocacy, and systemic change—this is your home base.
♟ World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries
Back-to-School Match: The Puzzle Book
Strategic, sophisticated, and full of history—this gallery challenges your mind while celebrating culture.
Why work here:
From curators to communicators, employees enjoy a unique blend of art, education, and gameplay. The workplace encourages exploration, conversation, and creativity in a beautifully cerebral setting.
🍎 Get Ready for Back-to-School with a New Career
Whether you're craving creativity, driven by advocacy, or passionate about play—there’s a nonprofit here with the culture and mission to match your values.
Ready to make your next career move? Class is officially in session.
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