Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
Free classroom resources from AAA
Take the Next Step Together
Honor Ruby Bridges’ historic walk to school and help students discover what their own steps can accomplish. Download free resources from AAA and the Ruby Bridges Foundation to share Ruby’s story, lead a Day of Dialogue, and turn students’ ideas into positive action.
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Toolkit
In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges walked into a New Orleans elementary school and helped open its doors to Black students. Decades later, a group of AAA School Safety Patrollers asked why there wasn’t a day to honor her. Their question helped start Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
This year, schools are invited to participate on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, or choose another day that works for their community. A walk can bring students together, but it isn’t required. Your school can take part through a classroom conversation, student activity, or celebration that helps children reflect on courage, kindness, and inclusion.
The free toolkit gives educators a simple way to guide that experience: learn Ruby’s story, start a Day of Dialogue, and help students identify one step they can take to make their school or community a better place.
Planning to participate? Register your school with the Ruby Bridges Foundation so your event is part of the national celebration.
Your Free Download Includes
Day of Dialogue Guide
A flexible guide for leading a 30-45 minute lesson or school activity, with discussion questions, steps for using the student resources, and ideas for a walk or celebration.
Editable Day of Dialogue Presentation
Introduce Ruby’s story and the student origins of Walk to School Day, then guide your class through reflection, discussion, and a shared goal. Customize the slides for your school and event.
“What Step Will You Take?” Classroom Activity
Help students identify something they would like to improve, explain why it matters, choose an action, and share their idea through writing, art, or a group project.
“Take the Conversation Home” Activity
Extend the discussion beyond the classroom. Students can talk with a parent, caregiver, family member, or trusted adult about changes they have seen and choose a small step they can take together.
Free Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Kit
Participating schools will also receive a kit to help bring their event to life, including wristbands, stickers, posters, and backpacks, while supplies last.
School Information
Complete the short form to receive immediate access to the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day resource bundle. We’ll also ship complimentary participation items to your school while supplies last.
Thank You!
Thanks for signing up! You can now download the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day toolkit. We’ll also send a copy to your email address.
Bring Your Walk to School Day Event to Life
Planning a school walk, Day of Dialogue, or other Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day activity? Schools can apply for funding through the AAA School Safety Event Grant program. Grant funding may be used for eligible expenses such as educational and promotional materials, student incentives, food, books, event supplies, and custom apparel.
Use the resources in this toolkit to get started, then apply for support to help bring your event to life!
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
