Before third grade, kids learn to read.
After third grade, they read to learn.
When it comes to literacy, third grade is where the rubber meets the road. A student who is reading at grade level by third grade is significantly more likely to succeed in later grades and graduate high school on time.
We believe all children should have the opportunity to succeed in school, and literacy is a massive milestone on that journey.
Programs
United Way’s Ready4K is a free and easy service that sends families three text messages per week. Each week, participants will receive age-appropriate facts, easy tips and opportunities for growth to boost their child’s learning by building on existing family routines. This service helps provide every child in our area an equal opportunity to learn and succeed in school.
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We bring partners together to collectively increase third-grade reading proficiency across the region.
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Creating access to learning resources outside of the classroom is critical – so is making them available in strategic, easy-to-find spots across our region’s communities. How It Works United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg builds and installs Little Free Libraries throughout our region in partnership with various community organizations to support students along the Steps to Success. These libraries…
Learn More2023 Funded Partners
- Communities in Schools of Richmond Elementary Schools
- The Literacy Lab Literacy Tutoring
- YMCA of Greater Richmond Out-of-School Time – Greater Richmond
Featured Story
Cameron’s Foundation for Success
As a former teacher, Dorothy understands what it takes to help a child succeed. When her grandson, Cameron, started to struggle in school, she sought help to keep him on track and engaged in his academics. What started as difficulty in comprehending lessons led to a decrease in Cameron’s self-esteem and caused him to struggle to relate to his peers….
Latest Updates
United Way Kicks Off Another Year of Literacy Kits
Our 2021-2022 Literacy Kit program is underway! We need your help to collect, assemble and distribute thousands of school supplies to students in our region.
