Quality education helps youth and adults achieve their full potential
The Heart of Illinois United Way works to ensure our children are ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten and people of all ages are prepared for work, postsecondary education, and life.
United Way funded education programs provide . . .
- Ages Pre-K through adult with literacy success
- After school tutoring that leads to grade promotion
- Mentoring that improves grades and social-emotional skills
- Parenting skills that build healthy parent-child relationships
Impact Highlights:
“Our daughter had never attended a formal school. She passed her kindergarten assessment with flying colors and we are so proud of her. She is excited to meet new friends in school this fall.” – Parents of a student enrolled in a United Way funded preschool program.
- More than 90% of preschool students enrolled in Heart of Illinois United Way funded programs developed and maintained core skills in the areas of social-emotional learning, literacy, and math.
“My son was struggling and falling behind by midterms. The staff and tutors worked with him and he raised his grade by a full letter and had a terrific final report card. Thank you!” – Mother of a 4th grade student enrolled in a United Way funded after-school program.
- More than 90% of students enrolled in Heart of Illinois United Way funded after school programs achieved grade-level academic success in reading and math.
“I knew what I wanted to achieve and the instructors assessed my skills and matched me with the classes I needed to succeed. After several technology classes, I’m on my way to starting my own barber business.” – Adult learner enrolled in a digital skills class at a United Way funded training program.
- More than 90% of adults 16 and older increased their knowledge through Heart of Illinois United Way funded academic and vocational training.
For a complete list of United Way Funded Education-Related programs, click here.
Supporting Student Success
Our Supporting Student Success (S3) initiative is a collaboration between public schools in Peoria and Tazewell counties and United Way partner agencies. S3 focuses on improving academic achievement by providing in-school counseling and group support for substance abuse, violence prevention and mental health. In collaboration with the Heart of Illinois United Way partner agencies, these services work in tandem with educators and administrators to ensure a student’s success in school.