EDUCATION

SUPPORT FOR LIFELONG SUCCESS

United Way of the Piedmont’s work in education has one overarching goal: that children, youth, and adults would have access to quality education that supports lifelong success. We work to increase access to early learning opportunities, improve third grade reading outcomes, and support local youth programs with demonstrated impact. 

WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST

Less than half of the children in our community enter kindergarten ready to learn, putting them behind before they even get started in school. For children living in poverty, the rate is even lower. 


Without access to high-quality educational opportunities and other interventions, the achievement gap widens each year. This not only affects students' success in school, but the opportunities they have in adulthood. 

Give kids a better chance at success.

OUR approach

SUPPORT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

In 2021, United Way of the Piedmont shifted our work in education to a robust strategy called Prepared to Thrive. We are committed to the long-term success of our community, and that starts with ensuring the success of our youngest community members.

prepared to thrive

Our Prepared to Thrive strategy started with exploratory conversations with local experts and leaders in early education to understand where the gaps were in our community’s ability to prepare our youngest learners for kindergarten and success in the early grades. 


From these sessions, United Way developed a multi-faceted strategy that encompasses putting our leadership and resources towards expanding the following: 

  • Access to books
  • Parent engagement
  • Childcare and Teacher supports
  • Summer Climb supports

 

Because the challenges associated with kindergarten readiness are multi-faceted, so is our strategy for tackling those challenges.

powered by data

Learn more about our Results Based Accountability model and how it shapes the approach we take to our work in education.

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