Education

United Way is developing innovative approaches to prepare kids for school and increase graduation rates.

United Way is determined to increase graduation rates among Metropolitan Chicago youth and we are using our leadership position in the community to fund a network of programs that get results.

Quality Education: A United Way Goal

Ensuring kids graduate from high school is a process that starts in early childhood and continues throughout their education. That’s why United Way supports programs all through a child’s life: early childhood education programs, after-school and summer activities, tutoring, mentoring and community schools. Funding innovative approaches and advocating for policies that lead to increased graduation rates is one of the most important ways United Way is strengthening families and ensuring our kids have the education and skills they need.

United Way provided $15 million in funding for programs in our community to help our children succeed in school and life. Just one example is the United Way African American Initiative, which convened providers, community leaders, congregations, school officials and youth themselves to ensure that boys 10 to 16 stay on track to graduation, understand employment opportunities and possibilities, and assume healthy family and social roles. The initiative, operating in five area communities, is making a real difference: More than 90% of AAI participants are on track for grade promotion (compared to 40% of their peers).