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Tri-City Area United Way
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Helping With Education
 

 

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. These trends are reversible, but only when communities and public, private and nonprofit sectors work together.

Our Goal

In 2008, United Way launched a 10-year initiative to cut the number of high school dropouts in half by 2018. It’s an ambitious goal, but by utilizing our core strengths — a national network, committed partners and public engagement capacity — we can achieve it.

Our Strategy

We can’t focus on high school alone. High school dropouts are 12 years in the making, usually starting early childhood education behind schedule. United Way's model focuses on supportive communities, effective schools and strong families — strategies and approaches rooted in research. Tackling the education challenge requires reframing education on a birth to 21 continuum.

Our Focus Areas

How You Can Help

Great schools have Great Communities.  Tri-City Area United Way is asking you to volunteer to read to a child during the next school year.  It would be great if every child in the tri-county area that needs help with reading could get a commitment from you.  This is your opportunity to really make a difference in your community, one child at a time.  Coming soon will be an orientation for you to meet with the educators from the school you wish to volunteer at. TCAUW is looking for 100 committed volunteers for the 2011/12 School year.  If you are interested in volunteering  Click here and sign up!!!!!!

 
 
 

Vegetable GardenKids Get Fit Help Build A Community Garden

Organize a kids' garden project in a corner of a schoolyard, park, vacant lot or existing community garden site. Kids get exercise as they plant and tend the garden. They also learn about--and eat!--the healthy fruits and veggies they harvest.

Don't have a green thumb? No problem! You can still make a garden grow.

How to Get Started ...

  • Find a gardener to help. Garden stores, landscape firms or your local park department can suggest gardeners willing to volunteer their expertise. They might also have extra seeds and tools you can use.
  • Get kids involved from the start. When they do, they are more willing to weed and water throughout the growing season. For example--
    • Guide kids toward plants that will thrive in your location, but let them pick out what to plant
    • Let the kids name their Garden Club
    • Plant a regular time on the calendar to meet.
    • Munch and share. Let the kids decide what to do with their harvest. Depending on the amount, they can make a meal for friends and family, provide fresh food to the school cafeteria or donate to a community food bank.
    • Gardens that involve kids are sprouting up around the country-including in communities with long winters, urban congestion or both!

    To Learn More ...

    Many groups provide information to start a garden, including-

    Or Consider This...

    Help launch a local school or youth organization's garden-through a donation of seeds or equipment, a gift card to a local garden store, or "seed money." 

    Share with Others ...

    Already growing? Tell us about your garden project!

 

 
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