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Education

To change the future of our community, we need to start with our youngest by setting them up for success from kindergarten to graduation and beyond.

Children’s earliest experiences – before they even enter school – can determine their ability to succeed for the rest of their lives. Early access to quality education is essential to promoting their development and learning into the future.

Early Childhood Literacy

Once in school, reading at grade level by the end of third grade is the single most important predictor of success. However, a lack of support, available resources and absences put children at risk for academic failure.

Tutoring/Mentoring

Having a mentor greatly increases a student's potential for success. In fact, children and youth who have mentors experience improved self-esteem, greater academic achievement, increased motivation in school and better lifestyle choices.

We want to help every child learn, grow and succeed in school and life because when children succeed, our whole community succeeds.

Education Programs We Support

Character Playbook

Character Playbook helps middle school students develop the skills they’ll need to build healthy relationships.

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Read with U

Sign up to be a reading buddy this schools year in Union County and spend 30 minutes per week reading with a first-grade student.

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ACC Reading Challenge

The Reading Challenge encourages students to spend more time reading for a chance to attend the ACC Football Championship Game.

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Growing Young Minds at Families First in Cabarrus County

Families First in Cabarrus County provides programs like ESL and GED classes and learning experiences like bilingual preschools that nurture children, empower parents and strengthen families.

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Eliminating the Digital Divide

Motivated by his young daughter’s concern about fellow students struggling to complete assignments because they lacked access to a computer and internet connectivity in their homes, Pat Millen sought a solution to bridge the digital divide in area schools.

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Guiding Future Young Professionals

After working hard to become a successful philanthropist and entrepreneur, Jania Massey sought a way to fill the void she saw with social capital and opportunity for girls of color in Charlotte.

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Positioning Entrepreneurs for Success

Frustrated by a lack of public programming in Charlotte inclusive of black tech professionals and startups, Sherrell Dorsey sought a way to boost opportunities in the city for entrepreneurs of color.

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Growing Teachers Into Leaders

Jason Terrell and Mario Shaw started Profound Gentlemen, a nonprofit focused on building a community of male educators of color – from pre-K through high school – who can provide a profound impact on boys and young men of color.

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Thriving Through Quality Education

For most of her childhood, Chloe struggled with learning disabilities that caused her to fall almost three grades behind her peers.

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It Takes a Village

We partner with local agencies focused specifically on the success of children and youth to foster lasting change where it matters most: where we live.

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Take Action

Give

Your donations transform the lives of your neighbors every single day. When you give to United Way, we will ensure your investment makes the greatest impact in our community.

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ADVOCATE

Advocacy is much more than lobbying. Use your voice to take a stand for what you believe in by sharing through your community groups, social media posts or emails to legislators.

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Get Involved

Behind all our work, there are people like you who get involved to ensure a better future for our families and communities.

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