Education

United Way invests in programs and initiatives that help children build a strong foundation in education. By strengthening their early literacy and providing basic tools and resources to learn, we help children thrive and reach their full potential.

Our Vision

Youth achieve the educational goals necessary to become positive, contributing community members.

Target Issues

  • Focus on early literacy so children can succeed in the classroom.
  • Support youth by reducing barriers that limit their success. 

 

INTERNAL INITIATIVES

RP LogoReadingPals 

This early Literacy Program connects passionate volunteers with students who need extra help developing essential literacy skills. According to the Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener, nearly 59% of Marion County Kindergarteners are not ready for kindergarten.

"Children have to learn to read before they can read to learn"

 

CPS LogoCommunity Partnership Schools  

This comprehensive model leverages the social and institutional capital of all partners. The goal is to remove barriers to learning and provide built-in support so students can achieve academic success and lifelong prosperity.

Locally, our goals include school readiness, student academic success, various pillars of health, and parent and community engagement. We provide a safe space for participants to study, learn, live, connect and thrive. 

 

OUR FUNDED EDUCATION PARTNERS

Arnette House: 

Non-Residential Family Counseling

Provides counseling to students experiencing behavioral problems in school, which interferes with their academic success.

Boys & Girls Club of Marion County: 

Project Learn Reinforces and enhances the skills and knowledge young people learn at school through "high-yield" learning activities at the Club and at home.

Life Skills with Kut Different A caring mentor will leverage the Boys & Girls' facility and membership to develop life, communication, and leadership skills. 

Early Learning Coalition of Marion County: 

VPK Expansion

Initiative to increase the number of VPK students in Marion County.

Episcopal Children's Services: 

Early Education

Provides a better start for children and ensures that they are eager to learn and ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten.

Florida Center for the Blind: 

Vision Buddies Screening Program

Provides students with functional vision assessments, including central, peripheral, static movement, binocular function, and colorblindness.