Fathers Walk is an annual event where dads across Cuyahoga County (as well as grandfathers, uncles, brothers, father figures and caregivers, both male and female) join children in their walk to school.

Dads and all participants take the following pledge:

• I am responsible for the education of my child.
• I will encourage all children to do their best every day at school.
• I will speak to my child about the value of learning and the importance of reaching your potential.
• I will help with schoolwork and review assignments for completion.
• I will praise my child when he/she does well in school.
• I will speak with my child’s teachers and support them in educating my child.
• I will teach my child the value of education and the value of family.
• I will work with my child’s mother or guardian to achieve the best academic and social outcomes for my child even if I do not live with my child.

Hundreds of fathers, stepfathers, and father figures will walk their children to school for Cuyahoga County’s annual Fathers Walk on Thursday, September 19, 2024. Fathers Walk is a demonstration of men’s visible, proactive engagement in their children’s lives and creates family support and a celebration of education like no other event of its kind.

Fathers Walk is part of a national event taking place during the first month of the school year by fathers in more than 750 cities throughout the United States. The event is simple – fathers escort their children to school by walking them to the door and have the opportunity to meet the principal and teachers.

“A father’s involvement in his children’s lives is very important,” said Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative Director Aldonis Grimes. “Research shows father  involvement is essential to promoting good classroom behavior, better grades, and higher educational attainment levels”.  

In addition to walking their children to school, fathers are encouraged to make a year-long commitment to dedicating themselves to family, supporting their children financially, spiritually, and emotionally, and building clean and healthy communities.

Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative, Passages Inc., Healthy Fatherhood Collaborative, and all those who believe that a father’s involvement in his children’s lives is very important.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL FOR THE WALK