- Starting in preschool, three to four consecutive summers of quality learning can get children reading on grade-level by third grade – making them four times more likely to graduate from high school.
- Summer learning loss in elementary school accounts for at least half of the ninth grade reading achievement gap.
- High-quality summer learning programs improve school attendance, motivation to do well in school and relationships with peers and adults.
- Regular attendance in quality summer learning programs is associated with positive academic and social development outcomes, including literacy, self-esteem and leadership skills.
United Way works with families, schools and community partners to make high-quality, education programs and services available to all – investing nearly $600,000 in summer learning.
Your donation is already at work in our community, supporting children in our region.
Last summer:
- Nearly 4,000 children were fed nutritious meals;
- Nearly 2,900 children participated in summer programming; and,
- 75 percent of participating children maintained or improved their reading/academic proficiency.
This summer, we’re counting on you to help us serve nearly 3,400 local children through United Way Summer Smarts.
Together, we can build healthy minds and bodies.
