Education

Education Goal




Third grade reading is directly linked to high school graduation rates

Why Our Mission Matters


 
  • Children who start behind stay behind.
  • Seven out of 10 children in the Lehigh Valley are not ready for kindergarten.

How Education Investments Make an Impact

We provide educational programming and support for children beginning early in life to prepare them for high school graduation and beyond. 

Kids who are ready for kindergarten are more likely to stay on track and in school. Third grade is the critical year when students stop learning to read and start reading to learn. That’s why third grade reading scores are so important. And teens who finish high school are more likely to stay out of trouble, add to our local economy, and pursue higher education, laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier Lehigh Valley. Bottom line: Kids are our best investment for our future, creating long-lasting change for generations to come.

We invest in: 
See Investments and Strategy

 
Investment Portfolio

United Way Community Schools

Supporting kids along their path from birth to highschool graduation.
LIVE UNITED Story
Lehigh Valley Mentors are making an impact Jade and her Big Sister, Chris Kruklitis, just met in January through Big Brothers Big Sisters Site-Based Program at Jefferson Elementary. Both had a great time getting to know one another and are looking forward to the new school year. When asked about the best part of her experience, Jade had this to say: "Chris is awesome! I liked when we played games and made jewelry for Mother’s Day. When we'd play Connect Four I usually won, then I'd do my victory dance. Chris is always there for me and makes sure that I am safe. I cannot wait to see her again." In reflecting on her time with Jade, Chris had these thoughts about her Match: "Going every week and seeing Jada’s smiling face was tremendously rewarding. Jada was always excited to see me and do an [activity]. I enjoy the [BBBS] organization. I think it is organized and well ran. Jada’s positive feedback gives me a positive feeling about what I am doing."  Allentown
Agency: Big Brothers Big Sister
United Way Funded Program: School-Based Mentoring – Elementary School Level

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