United Way's Focus on Education

Improving Childhood Literacy

Read United is a year-round series of programs designed to improve childhood literacy in Whitfield and Murray counties.

Reading proficiency and literacy are vital to the success of our community. Children with reading difficulties are more likely to experience health and behavioral problems, teen pregnancy, premature departures from school, trouble sustaining employment, and even poverty. That’s why United Way unites the community around this common goal: Get kids prepared for kindergarten, reading at grade level by 3rd grade, and graduating on time with skills to be career and life-ready.

Through Read United, we seek to increase opportunities for achievement and brighter futures for all by ensuring that children reach important literacy milestones.

The good news is that we can help students stay on track even when they are out of school through our Read United literacy programs - Keep Kids Thriving, Born Learning Trails, Grab a Hat and Read with the Cat, Community Partnerships, and our Little Free Libraries!

Putting books into the hands of early learners is critical to United Way’s work to ensure that all children read on grade level by the third grade. Students reading on grade level by third grade are four times more likely to graduate from high school. (Source: GEERS)

United Way of Northwest Georgia ensures kids have access to books, enriching activities, and a caring adult to help them improve their reading skills. Last year, United Way distributed over 28,000 FREE books to individuals and families in our local community!

Education Strategic Guideline: 

Early childhood education lays the groundwork for early development, academic achievement, economic productivity, and a lifetime of better health. That’s why United Way Unites the community around this common goal: Get kids ready for kindergarten, reading at grade level by 3rd grade, and graduating on time with skills to be career and life-ready.