United Way is advancing the common good by helping kids succeed in school.
Education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. But with more than 1.2 million children dropping out each year, America faces an education crisis. The cost? More than $312 billion in lost wages, taxes and productivity over their lifetimes. These trends are reversible, but only when communities and public, private and nonprofit sectors work together.
Those early years matter! Most brain development takes place by a child’s third birthday. That’s why we believe in investing in programs that help create success at an early age. The results?
- Children’s developmental delays and health problems are detected early
- Children enter kindergarten ready to learn and the achievement gap is narrowed
- Children achieve school success into the elementary grades
- Parents improve their parenting knowledge and skills
- Parents are more involved in their children’s schooling
- Families are more likely to promote children’s language and literacy
School age kids need encouragement, too! Youth graduating secondary school and having the knowledge, skills and credentials to obtain family sustaining employment is a key component to our education building block.