Shine Bright for Education

At United Way Community Schools, student success is more than academics. It’s about helping children feel supported, connected and confident both inside and outside the classroom.

For 20 years, Community Schools have transformed schools into neighborhood hubs where students and families can access resources, build relationships and gain the support they need to succeed in school and graduate ready for life, college or career. Today, the network serves nearly 20,000 students across 34 schools in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties.

At Cheston Elementary School in the Easton Area School District, that support is helping students like Khloe and Kilynn strengthen academic skills, attend school more consistently and build confidence in the classroom.

Khloe, a fourth grader, says after-school programs helped her continue learning outside the classroom, while support from teachers and classmates helped build her confidence as a reader.

“I feel really confident because my reading scores went up a lot,” Khloe said.

Today, she enjoys reading chapter books she once found challenging and dreams of one day becoming a lawyer so she can help others.

Kilynn, a fifth grader, has strengthened her math and reading by practicing at home with her family and learning to ask for help when she needed it.

“I think asking for help is really important, and now I’m more confident asking for it” she said.

At the heart of the Community School model is a commitment to supporting the whole child. By building confidence, strengthening family connections and connecting students to resources and opportunities, Community Schools help children improve academically while developing the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.

“When students feel really supported by the school, I notice attendance changes, more parent interaction within the building and overall happier students,” Principal Kyle Yanders said.

When you give to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, you help students feel seen, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Help create more opportunities so every future shines brighter. Give today.