UNITED, Kids Thrive: Community Schools Showcase Academic Growth and Family Stability in 2025
At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we believe that when we are UNITED, kids thrive. That belief comes to life in our Community Schools, where academic support, family engagement and basic needs services work together to create stability and opportunity for students and families across the region.
Students enrolled in United Way Community Schools demonstrated academic growth across the network during the 2024-25 school year, as highlighted in the 2025 Annual Report.
Network-wide results show:
- Literacy and math proficiency increased across the network
- 85% of students identified as needing behavioral health support were connected to services
- 81% of participating youth reported an increased sense of belonging or improved social-emotional skills
These results reflect the strength of the Community School model, which integrates academics, mental health services, family engagement and basic needs support to remove barriers and help students succeed.
“Our Community Schools, with some of the most challenges, are showing the most growth, outpacing other schools statewide supported by the systems Community School Coordinators build alongside our educators, families and community partners,” said Khushboo Jain, Director of the United Way’s Community School Network.
United Way Community Schools serve 19,744 students across 34 public schools in Allentown, Bethlehem Area, Easton Area, Bangor Area and Panther Valley school districts, along with Salvaggio Academy.
Community Schools strengthen academic success by addressing both classroom learning and the barriers that impact it. During the 2024-25 school year:
- 1,609 children participated in United Way-funded early education programs
- 1,816 students engaged in summer learning programs
- 2,992 students accessed dental and vision care
- 5,596 families increased food access
Through strong partnerships and generous donor support, Community Schools continue building the foundation for long-term success for students, families and neighborhoods across the Greater Lehigh Valley.