PTO Today, a leading source of information and support for parent organizations across the United States, has launched 1 Hour for Schools, a nationwide volunteer initiative designed to encourage parents and caregivers to contribute just one hour of their time to their local schools.

Volunteers play an essential role in helping schools provide activities and experiences that benefit students, teachers, and families. From book fairs and field days to family gatherings, enrichment activities, school assemblies, and teacher appreciation events, many programs depend heavily on parent volunteers. However, schools are increasingly struggling to find enough people to fill these roles.

Research conducted by PTO Today found that 54% of PTO and PTA leaders surveyed have had to reduce or cancel school activities because they did not have enough volunteers, while 82% depend on fewer than 10 active volunteers to keep their organizations running.

The volunteers who do participate often devote substantial amounts of time. According to the research, 66% of PTO and PTA volunteers contribute approximately 360 hours during the school year. The findings also point to a gap in participation, with 74% of respondents identifying fathers as the most underrepresented group among school volunteers.

The new 1 Hour for Schools campaign seeks to address these challenges by encouraging parents and caregivers nationwide to pledge a combined one million hours of volunteer service. The initiative is built around a simple message: even a single hour can contribute to a stronger and more connected school community.

“Schools across the country are telling us the same thing: they need more volunteers, but they don't need superheroes—they just need more people willing to give a little of their time,” said Charles Field, CEO of School Family Media, the parent company of PTO Today. “That's exactly why we created 1 Hour for Schools. We want to show parents and caregivers that even one hour can make a meaningful difference for their child's school.”

Beyond helping schools operate programs and events, volunteering can also provide parents with an opportunity to become more connected to their communities. Participating in school activities can help parents meet other families, establish friendships, develop relationships with teachers, and become more engaged in their children's educational environment.

Research also indicates that volunteering can contribute to a greater sense of belonging. For parents and caregivers balancing careers, family obligations, and busy schedules, making a small time commitment can be an accessible way to become more involved without taking on a major ongoing responsibility.

A PTO leader from Michigan emphasized the value of participation, regardless of the amount of time involved. The leader noted that parents and caregivers do not need extensive free time or specialized abilities to contribute. Simply being present and participating can help create memorable experiences for students, provide valuable support to school employees, and demonstrate to children that building a strong school community is a shared responsibility.

Parents and caregivers can participate in 1 Hour for Schools through September 30 by pledging to volunteer at their child's school in whatever capacity fits their schedule. Each pledge also gives participating schools a chance to win $3,500 to invest in their school community.

The campaign's overarching objective is to reach one million pledged volunteer hours from parents and caregivers nationwide, demonstrating how small individual contributions can collectively make a substantial difference in schools and the communities they serve.

Click here to take the pledge.

The school year has come to a close, final exams are over, and both students and educators are looking forward to a well-earned summer break. While celebrations are in full swing across Regions Bank’s service areas, the bank’s dedication to education and workforce development continues year-round.

Supporting learning and career readiness is a strategic priority for both Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation®, a nonprofit primarily supported by the bank. The foundation invests in initiatives that promote education, community and economic development, and financial literacy across the regions the bank serves.

Regions and its foundation actively back educational initiatives through grants, funding, and employee volunteerism—especially in classrooms where associates are eager to get involved.
 
Inspiring a Love for Reading
To mark the end of the school year, Regions Bank’s Finance team participated in a major event hosted by Better Basics, a nonprofit in Birmingham focused on eliminating childhood illiteracy in central Alabama.

The event—Better Basics Reads 2025—is the group’s largest annual volunteer initiative. Hundreds of community members read to more than 14,000 students in pre-K through 5th grade across Birmingham. Students were also given a book to take home.

Amanda Saint, Business Unit Controller at Regions and an active Better Basics board member, helped coordinate a team of volunteers who read to students in 18 classrooms at i3 Academy. She described the day as deeply rewarding for the students, teachers, and Regions team alike.

“The kids were really into the stories—asking and answering questions,” said Saint. “They were thrilled to get their own book. The teachers were incredibly supportive and appreciative.”

Beyond the fun, Saint emphasized the broader impact of the event.

“Giving children access to books and encouraging a passion for reading is essential. Reading proficiency by third grade is a key predictor of future academic success. Unfortunately, 60% of low-income families don’t have even one children’s book at home. Being able to connect with students and share my own love of reading meant a lot.”
 
Grants Driving Educational Impact
Better Basics also received a boost from the Regions Foundation through a new grant supporting its Reading Intervention Program for underserved K-4 students. This initiative offers tutoring, teacher training, and enrichment opportunities focused on early reading skills.
Additionally, the Foundation awarded $250,000 in grants to three affiliates of the Council for Economic Education (CEE), which aims to equip K–12 students with strong foundations in personal finance and economics. The funds will support:

“These programs empower educators and families to take charge of their financial futures,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “By building financial literacy in classrooms, we’re helping the next generation build a solid financial foundation.”
 
Long-Term Partnerships in Education
The Regions Foundation continues to invest in education through long-standing partnerships, such as with Alabama’s A+ Education Partnership. Over the past six years, the Foundation has supported A+ initiatives like the Powerful Learning Networks and Instructional Partners Network, both part of the A+ Best Practices Center. Regions Bank CEO John Turner also serves on the organization’s board.

Stirling Hutchins, senior director of development at A+, acknowledged the bank and foundation’s consistent support:

“We’re extremely thankful for Regions’ ongoing commitment to helping us improve student outcomes across Alabama.”

A+ recently played a significant role in passing Alabama’s RAISE Act—a new law signed in May that creates a funding structure for public schools based on student needs. Launching in the 2025–2026 school year, the RAISE Fund will provide extra financial resources to schools serving students in categories such as poverty, special education, gifted programs, English learners, and charter schools.
 
Appreciating Educators and Families
While students enjoy a break, Regions is also recognizing the educators behind their success. In Knoxville, Regions employees hosted a year-end celebration for over 100 teachers at Hardin Valley Middle School.

In Baton Rouge, the Regions team partnered with the Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope to throw a Summer FUN BASH, featuring games, crafts, live entertainment, and snacks for local families with children 12 and under.

As summer kicks off with fun and festivities, Regions teams are already planning for the next big moment—welcoming students and teachers back in the fall with exciting Back to School events.