The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association program provides students ages 10 and older — a demographic often overlooked by assistance programs — the opportunity to go back-to-school shopping with deputies and other officials, fostering positive social interactions with law enforcement in the process.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SEBA had to reinvent the Shop with a Cop event to comply with social distancing requirements and complement the new reality of learning online. What emerged was Shop with a Cop: Back to School Teachers’ Edition, which bestowed funding on teachers to enhance their instruction and promote positive and equitable learning environments.

In the last two years, the program has served more than 4,400 students by awarding $45,000 in grants to 175 teachers at 22 schools within the county. Teachers have used the funds in a multitude of ways, including supporting a newly launched STEAM program, expanding social-emotional learning opportunities and creating fun pirate-themed lessons to engage students during distance learning. The program also recognizes teachers for their valiant efforts during these challenging times and rewards their selfless commitment to their students.

This program was able to pivot during COVID and continue serving students because of the strong collaborative partnership that exists between SEBA and the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Each entity contributes to the common goal of aiding students: SBCSS uses its data and relationships with schools and districts to target assistance to families in need, while SEBA’s generous volunteers and donors provide the human and financial resources to make this program possible. This program is a testament to the collective impact two organizations can have when working closely to improve the lives of students in San Bernardino County.

“We are fortunate to have generous donors and a valuable partnership with San Bernardino County Schools,” said SEBA President and Sheriff’s Sergeant Grant Ward. “Together, we are able to make a positive impact in the community we serve and say thank you to our teachers for their hard work and dedication.”