Henry Schein Expands Global Reach with 28th Annual “Back to School” Program, Supporting Thousands of Students Worldwide
For nearly three decades, Henry Schein, a global leader in health care solutions, has been committed to more than just serving dental and medical professionals. The company has also consistently dedicated itself to uplifting the communities in which it operates. This year marks the 28th consecutive year of its flagship philanthropic effort, the “Back to School” program, an initiative under the company’s global corporate citizenship platform, Henry Schein Cares. Through this program, Henry Schein is once again helping thousands of children worldwide step into the new academic year with renewed confidence, enthusiasm, and the tools they need to succeed.
In 2025, Team Schein Members (TSMs) across 45 company locations spanning the U.S., Canada, Italy, Spain, the U.K., and Ireland joined forces to support more than 5,200 students. By providing backpacks filled with essential school supplies and oral hygiene kits, employees helped ensure that underserved children have the resources and encouragement necessary to thrive both academically and personally.
Since its inception in 1998, Henry Schein’s “Back to School” program has grown from a local initiative into a global movement. Over the past 28 years, it has impacted more than 75,000 children across numerous communities. The program reflects the company’s long-standing belief that education is not just a pathway to personal success, but also a cornerstone of community well-being and empowerment.
A Tradition of Service and Volunteerism
At the heart of the “Back to School” program is Henry Schein’s unique approach to corporate citizenship: employee-led volunteerism. Rather than simply donating supplies, the company actively engages its workforce in the program. TSMs partner directly with local not-for-profit organizations to identify children in need, assemble backpacks, and distribute them in person.
This hands-on involvement gives employees the opportunity to interact directly with families, creating a tangible sense of community connection. It also highlights Henry Schein’s culture of service, where employees are encouraged to go beyond the workplace and contribute meaningfully to society.
David Kochman, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Henry Schein, emphasized the broader mission of the initiative:
Our ‘Back to School’ initiative is a powerful example of what Team Schein can accomplish when we come together in service of our communities. Together, we are helping to provide children with more than just supplies — we are helping them feel seen, supported, and ready to learn.
The Melville Celebration: A Local Highlight
One of the most memorable events of this year’s program took place on August 14 at Henry Schein’s worldwide headquarters in Melville, New York. Hundreds of children and their families gathered for a lively evening that combined back-to-school preparation with family-friendly festivities.
Approximately 400 students, all pre-identified by local social service organizations, received backpacks filled with school supplies, oral care kits, and gift cards to purchase their first-day-of-school outfits. But the event was about more than just distributing materials — it was about celebrating children, families, and the importance of education.
The evening featured a wide range of activities designed to create a joyful and inclusive atmosphere. Families enjoyed a barbecue dinner, participated in arts and crafts, played games, and engaged in activities designed for all ages. The highlight for many was the book tent, which offered a carefully curated selection of free books. These books were generously donated by Team Schein Members and by KPMG LLP, through its Family for Literacy program in partnership with First Book, a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational resources to underserved communities.
By including this literacy component, Henry Schein reinforced the message that back-to-school preparation goes beyond supplies — it’s about equipping children with the tools and opportunities that spark imagination, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
Strengthening Community Partnerships
The success of the Melville event was made possible through collaboration with 10 Long Island-based social service organizations. These organizations played a key role in identifying children and families who would benefit most from the program.
Partners included:
- Bethany House
- Espoir Youth Program, Inc.
- Family and Children’s Association
- Hispanic Counseling Center
- Iovino South Shore Family Center (Family Service League)
- SCO Madonna Heights
- Social Service Volunteers of Nassau
- The Raymar Children’s Association
- WellLife Network
- YES Community Counseling Center
Through these partnerships, Henry Schein ensured that the program reached families facing real challenges — from financial hardship to housing insecurity — and provided them with meaningful support at a critical time of year.
Katie Swanson, Executive Director of Bethany House of Nassau County, expressed her gratitude for the continued collaboration:
We’re grateful to Henry Schein for helping our students begin the year feeling ready and cared for. Our partnership with Henry Schein’s ‘Back to School’ initiative is rooted in purpose. Thank you to Team Schein for their continued support of Bethany House.
A Global Effort with Local Impact
While the Melville event was one of the program’s flagship gatherings, similar celebrations unfolded across Henry Schein’s global network. From North America to Europe, employees and partners rallied to ensure that underserved children in their communities were given the chance to start the school year on equal footing with their peers.
Each event, though locally tailored, carried the same underlying mission: to empower children through education and to strengthen the bonds between Henry Schein, its employees, and the communities they serve.
