For the past 10 years, one of the most recognizable expressions of Successteam’s commitment to community has been our Annual Back to School Bookbag Drive.
What started as a simple idea, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed, grew into a decade-long tradition of service, unity, and impact. Year after year, we’ve had the privilege of placing bookbags into the hands of students and families across our community, ensuring that they walked into the school year not just prepared, but confident.
But more than the supplies, the Bookbag Drive represented something deeper. It represented care. It represented consistency. It represented a community coming together to say, “We see you, and we believe in you.”
Over 10 consecutive years, we’ve:
- Served over 15,000 students and families
- Mobilized volunteers, partners, and supporters across the CSRA
- Created moments that extended far beyond a single day
And for that, we are deeply grateful.
A Message from Our Founder & CEO
“For 10 years, the Bookbag Drive stood as a flagship program with a simple yet powerful mission: ensuring that our students could worry less about school supplies and more about their grades. The Bookbag Drive has served its purpose with excellence. It has laid a strong foundation for how we show up for our community. And now, it’s time to evolve that impact into new, intentional pathways that align even more closely with our mission of developing leaders, preparing scholars, and creating long-term success.
As Successteam enters its next chapter, we are guided by a commitment to growth, innovation, and deeper impact. After thoughtful reflection, we have made the decision to officially retire the Annual Back to School Bookbag Drive. This decision is not about ending something, it’s about building upon it. I want to personally thank every student, parent, and community member who helped create the magic that defined our first decade. What began at the Aiken County Career & Technology Center grew into something far greater expanding to Aiken Technical College and ultimately serving over 15,000 students from 2015 to 2025.
This wasn’t just an event; it was the moment Successteam entered the homes and hearts of our community. It taught us what it truly means to Make A Difference in the Lives of Our Youth. Today, we close one chapter while inviting you to partner with us in defining the next.
Thank you for always showing up. We love you. More to come.” — Tim Behling
What’s Next for Successteam
While the Bookbag Drive may be retiring, our commitment to supporting students and families is only getting stronger.
Moving forward, we are exploring and implementing innovative ways to serve—initiatives that:
- Integrate academic, leadership, and life readiness support
- Provide sustained engagement beyond a single-day event
- Align directly with our Youth Council, SJLA, and Scholar Development pipeline
- Create measurable, long-term outcomes for the students we serve
This evolution reflects who we are becoming as an organization.
We are not just preparing students for the first day of school, we are preparing them for life beyond it. And we’re excited to continue building what’s next…together.