Together, We Can Help Students Access Education, Overcome Poverty.
Education is a gateway out of poverty, but odds are often stacked against students—especially students of color—from the start. We believe that income, ZIP code, and race shouldn’t influence success in school. But right now, they do. With our community-wide network of education programs, we aim to challenge the barriers created by systemic racism and set students up for educational success.
Together, we can work to break down barriers so that thousands of young people–from pre-K and high school through community college–in our community can pursue both an education and their dreams.
Real People. Real Stories.
Our Investments
16% of United Way of King County’s investments are directed toward education. Here’s how our grants are directed:
United Way Grants—Education Focus
(in millions)
Early Learning
The years before kindergarten are an incredibly crucial period of learning, yet nearly two out of three low-income kids in King County are behind their peers when they start kindergarten. To ensure kids from low-income families enter kindergarten fully prepped for classroom learning, we support early learning through our ParentChild+ program in collaboration with 13 King County community partners.
What we’re loving? ParentChild+ graduates have 30% higher high school graduation rates than their peers!
High School Graduation
Youth of color are far less likely to graduate and are disciplined at higher rates than their white counterparts. King County is no exception.
We believe that all youth should have access to a quality education as a pathway to a successful future. Toward that goal, we invest in programs like High School Reengagement and the Racial Equity Coalition to create communities of belonging for youth. From celebrating cultural identity to providing after-school programs that address the uniqueness and challenges of being a student of color, our investments in our community partners allow them to support youth to earn a high school credential and plan for their future.
College Completion
Systemic racism throughout the education system limits educational opportunities for people of color. Nearly half of our area community college students are people of color. According to a conversation survey, 48% of those community college students said they left college due to cost-of-living expenses, including rent, utilities, health care, and child care.
We invest in our Bridge to Finish program that helps students get the services they need to stay in school and complete their education.
Support Our Work
Access to quality education that allows each student to reach their full learning and career potential, sustained employment, and improved opportunities is key to building an equitable future. With your support, more kids can be set on the path to educational success.
Thanks to Our Supporters:
