United Way partners with educators to improve graduation rates
Unlocking the future generations' potential by partnering with schools, parents, and mentors to give all children accessible, quality and affordable early learning opportunities.
Our Goal
In 2008, United Way launched a 10-year initiative to cut the number of high school dropouts in half by 2018. It was an ambitious goal, but by utilizing our core strengths — a national network, committed partners and public engagement capacity — we knew we could achieve it. By 2012, the average high school graduation rate was 81% across America, the highest ever recorded at that time.
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.
How You Can Help
Volunteers make United Ways’ tax assistance and education programs possible. We need your help, even if you don’t have an education background.