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Middle Schools

Middle school students have the power to make a difference!

Rally your school to make a difference! Students, from elementary school through college, can get involved in the mission to end cancer. 

Register your student or school
Register your student or school
A group of diverse children and an adult pose in a middle school classroom, all wearing pink shirts. Some hold signs reading "I support #SchoolsAgainstCancer." The background features school decorations and a wall display.

“Cancer is a scary word. Schools Against Cancer gives children a feeling that they can do something to help their loved ones fight cancer.”

Joanne Lombardo

School Counselor

A smiling woman in a black cape holds up a cut ponytail of her hair in a gym, bravely going bald for a hair donation event. Another person stands behind her, holding scissors.
A man, possibly a teacher, holds a small animal—perhaps a fennec fox—in front of a large group of students wearing matching blue shirts. A pet carrier and equipment cases are on the table beside him.
Three smiling girls sit at a wooden table outdoors at night, wearing pink-tinted glasses and casual jackets—like friends from local middle schools enjoying a night out. Pink and purple bracelets and containers are scattered across the table.

How it works

Does your child or student have what it takes to become a changemaker? Or are you the student yourself? Schools Against Cancer may be the perfect fit.

Through this impactful program, you can get involved in the mission to end cancer in a way that makes sense for you. We know not every classroom or student is the same, and that’s why Schools Against Cancer changemakers are encouraged to find the fundraiser that best aligns with your interests, availability and commitment.

A diverse group of eight smiling middle school students stand in a classroom. Two hold signs reading "I support #SchoolsAgainstCancer" and "Schools Against Cancer." The group appears cheerful and united in raising awareness.

Why Schools Against Cancer?

With Schools Against Cancer, students can turn their passions into a purpose and make what matters to them, matter for a cause. 

Here are just a few of the benefits:

Cancer impacts everyone

Schools Against Cancer shows students that they can make a real difference, fostering personal growth and a sense of social responsibility.

Real-world learning

Fundraising involves practical, hands-on learning experiences. Students can apply concepts they've learned to real-world situations, enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Empathy and compassion

Fundraising through Schools Against Cancer fits into an SEL curriculum, fostering empathy and compassion in students. Students learn about cancer, its impact on individuals and families and the importance of philanthropy and community service.

Check out these ideas for middle schools to get started

Athletic Game or Run-a-thon

What better way to show your school spirit than by rooting for the home team while fundraising for a great cause? Consider selling tickets for a game against your school rival and host a concession stand where proceeds go to Roswell Park. The team can also choose to dress in a color representing a specific type of cancer, such as a pink game for breast cancer awareness or a gold game for pediatric cancer awareness. Alternatively, host a run-a-thon, walk-a-thon or other marathon event to raise money for the cause.

A group of young volleyball players from local middle schools, wearing pink shirts and black knee pads, huddle together on a gym floor preparing for a game. Bleachers and sports equipment are visible in the background.
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Spirit Day

Does your school have spirit? Take your Spirit Day or week to the next level by fundraising for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. There are countless ways to make your spirit week count in the fight to end cancer, from themed days to fun activities and everything in between.

A large crowd of enthusiastic students and sports fans, many with faces and bodies painted black, cheer behind a fence. Some wave maroon and gold flags, and a person in the front wears a yellow foam hat shaped like cheese.
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Jar Wars

Jar Wars is a coin collection with a friendly sabotage twist! Schools Against Cancer will recognize the school that raises the most at the end of the competition! The top fundraising school will receive a mini blue buffalo statue, certificate, a ceremonial check presentation and other recognition!

Gold text reads “Schools Against Cancer Presents: Jar Wars,” with a stack of gold coins underneath, inviting parents to join the cause. A bold banner below states “February 2025” in black and white.
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Bald for Bucks

Looking to host a larger event? Bald for Bucks teaches students the importance of community and using their hair to show they care. Participants sign up to shave, cut or style their hair while fundraising for a great cause. Event logistics are up to you! Choose the date, time, location in the school and how you want to promote the event, and we’ll be there to help along the way.

Learn more
A man with a shaved head holds a Bald For Bucks after sign

Your child will develop these skills as a Schools Against Cancer changemaker:

Leadership

Compassion

Fundraising

Event coordination

Public speaking

Networking

Community-building

Teamwork

A group of students stand on a sandy lakeshore holding a yellow “World Cleanup Day” banner, raising litter pickers and hands, with an event sign nearby. The background shows water, trees, and a blue sky with clouds.
The image is a plain light gray background, as smooth and featureless as a bald surface, with no visible objects, text, or distinct features.

Your school can be a part of something bigger

It’s a cause that hits home for nearly everyone, regardless of age. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the state and in the nation. The efforts of the young people in your school will fuel lifesaving treatments and innovative cancer research, benefiting patients right here in Western New York at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Learn more

Have a fundraising idea?

If you’re trying to pitch the experience to your school, here are some helpful links to point you in the right direction.

Learn about what Schools Against Cancer is, the mission, vision and more.

Show your school leaders how this program makes a real difference for the cancer patients of today and tomorrow.

Curious what other schools have done? Check out our blog for inspiring stories and creative examples.

Contact us!

Not sure where to start? Our team is here to help!

Contact Allison for guidance on becoming a changemaker.
A woman with long brown hair, wearing a maroon jacket over a yellow floral top and drop earrings, smiles at the camera. She has an elementary school name tag pinned to her jacket and stands in an indoor setting with blurred greenery behind her.