United Way works to end America’s education crisis

Education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. But with more than 1.2 million children dropping out each year, America faces an education crisis. The cost? More than $312 billion in lost wages, taxes and productivity over their lifetimes.¹ These trends are reversible, but only when communities and public, private and nonprofit sectors work together.

Our Goal

United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas funds programs that support school readiness, literacy and academic success.

Our Strategy

Prepare children to:

• Enter school ready to succeed.
• Read proficiently by 3rd Grade.
• Make successful transition in and out of middle school.

How You Can Help

To reach our goal, we need your help. The strategies proven to work are those that connect communities to their schools: parent involvement; literacy volunteers in the classroom; mentors for disadvantaged students; business leaders engaged in early childhood advocacy. Volunteer to help.

SEE THE United Way Worldwide COMMON GOOD FORECASTER Tool 

¹Figure according to Communities in Schools, one of America’s leading drop-out prevention partnerships.