Education

United Way works to end America’s education crisis

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.

The Local Picture

By most measures, the local education system is very good to great. But about 10% of 4th graders score below Proficient in reading – far too many. 11 of 25 local schools scored below the 60th percentile in a recent state ranking of school performance.

Hear from Doug Durand and Ardith Hawley, of Foster Grandparents, about how they are making a positive impact on local kids’ lives.

Char-Em United Way Literacy Corps Launched

Today, fewer Americans are likely to earn a diploma than their parents, a distinction not shared by any other industrialized country. To address this, we have joined United Way's ambitious national goal to recruit one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors to improve childhood literacy and education over the next three years.

Char-Em United Way is launching our new “Literacy Corps” to recruit 150 volunteers to read to, mentor and tutor local kids over the next three years. We’ll target early grade literacy to give kids the best start possible toward a successful life.

Locally, we will partner with local libraries, schools and other agencies to promote reading and learning skills with area children. The initial focus will be on preschool and elementary age students.

Developing reading proficiency at an early age is a key factor in high school graduation.  Students who aren't strong readers by 4th grade are at risk of educational failure and are more likely than their peers to drop out of high school.  We believe - with the help of local volunteers - we can put local kids on the path to success.

Over the coming three years, United Way's Education Initiative and volunteer activities will be expanded to encompass additional activities promoting education at all grade levels and in non-school settings.  Training and support will be provided for all volunteers joining the effort.

Please take the pledge to mentor, tutor or read to local children.