United Is The Way to Youth Opportunity

Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive. At United Way, we help children get off to a good start and empower youth to reach their full potential by breaking down barriers to success. We advance what works, including early childhood education, literacy development, access to a high-quality K-12 education, enrichment opportunities like afterschool and summer programs, college and career readiness, and family engagement, fostering a future where every young person can realize their dreams.

United Way's education goal is to ensure that youth gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials so that they are prepared for workforce and able to obtain family-sustaining employment.

Success in life begins with a quality education. And yet, millions of children and youth lack the support they need to strengthen their literacy, stay on track in school, graduate high school and find a career.

We're fighting to shift the odds so tomorrow's leaders can build a better foundation today. With an approach to education that spans from cradle to career, we're ensuring every child gets a strong start in life, teenagers have the tools to learn and grow, and young adults thrive in the job market.

The strategies proven to work are those that connect communities to their schools: parent involvement, literacy volunteers in the classroom, mentors for disadvantaged students, and business leaders engaged in early childhood advocacy.

Join us in Leading the Way to opportunities for young people to succeed as we work to ensure that every child has the tools they need to graduate high school.

Visit our Get Help page for immediate needs resources for families and individuals.