Education

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. 
Childcare and Early Childhood Education

  • The first years of life shape a child's future. Engaging families, policymakers, professionals, and communities, United Way helps prepare children for lifelong success.

  • Quality early education opens up a world of possibilities. United Way supports quality childcare training for teachers and caregivers so every child can explore and grow.

     
In School Support, Expanded, and Afterschool Learning
  • During school breaks, students can experience learning loss and fall behind. United Way invests in year-round educational opportunities to keep young people engaged, inspired, and on track for success.
  • In partnership with schools and organizations, United Way provides resources to help more students discover more possibilities, in the classroom and beyond.

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.

 

 

 

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