School readiness is the first step on the path to a successful life. Children are born learning, and the critical period between birth and school can determine a child’s future.
90% of brain development occurs before a child enters the classroom, so early learning is key. Children from low-income families may already be 1-2 years behind their peers when they start school.
United Way of Washington County knows that education is one of the building blocks for a successful life. That’s why they’re committed to improving school readiness, promoting early grade reading, and advancing personal development.
In June, community volunteers reviewed applications for United Way education program funding. Eleven nonprofit agencies applied, requesting a total of $496,250. After interviewing agency representatives, the volunteers worked together to evaluate each application and arrive at a consensus.
“Selecting programs is not an easy task,” said Pete Rettler, West Bend Campus Dean at Moraine Park Technical College, and volunteer chairman of the United Way Education Panel. “All of these nonprofits are doing great work, but we had to prioritize the programs that most effectively address the root cause of community issues and demonstrate the ability to help kids succeed in school and in life.”
The panel volunteers selected seven programs, including three programs that are new to United Way:
- Dream to Succeed – Casa Guadalupe Education Center
This program creates a brighter future for Latino high school students by helping them develop social skills, identify their strengths, explore career opportunities, set goals, and plan financing for post-secondary education or vocational training. United Way’s investment is allowing this program to expand into the Hartford community.
- Children’s Literacy Initiative – 4C Family Center of Washington County
This new initiative will increase school-readiness by training parents of young children. The program will empower parents to be their child’s first teacher and to create a home environment that promotes language acquisition and literacy development.
- Nature-Based 4-K – Kettle Moraine YMCA
This innovative collaboration provides children with access to high-quality, nature-based instruction at Riveredge Nature Center. The program includes an intergenerational component that promotes volunteerism among seniors at Cedar Community Campus.
Each education program will receive United Way funding through 2019, contingent on successful year-end reviews. United Way’s investment in education programs totals $348,750 annually.
United Way of Washington County recently transitioned to a three-year funding cycle. Every year, applications are accepted under one of their three focus areas: Education, Income Stability, and Health. Next year, applications will be accepted for income-stability programs.
“United Way is able to invest in these important programs because of the generous people in our community,” said Kristin Brandner, Executive Director. “Without the help of our incredible donors, advocates, and volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to support this meaningful work. On behalf of all the children who will benefit from these programs, I would like to thank the community for being a part of our team.”
2017-2019 United Way Funded Education Programs
- Match Mentoring – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County
- Youth Academic Success – Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington County
- Dream to Succeed – Casa Guadalupe Education Center
- At-Risk Youth Intervention – Elevate
- Children’s Literacy Initiative – 4C Family Center of Washington County
- Nature-Based 4-K – Kettle Moraine YMCA
- Birth-to-Three Early Intervention – The Threshold
United Way is also mobilizing local individuals, businesses, and volunteers in order to help children prepare for school. United Way’s goal is to create 2,500 Bright Start Bags for preschool children across Washington County. Each backpack will contain books and educational materials that help parents teach and prepare their child for school.
Volunteers will assemble the school-readiness kits at the “United for Our Future” event on September 29.