We all know that a quality education is a key building block for a good quality of life. A good education leads to greater chances for success throughout a person's life.
Cedar Valley United Way is helping children and youth achieve their potential through education by working toward the following goals:
- Creating productive and engaged young adults
- Partnering with schools and parents to improve academic achievement in children
- Creating successful transitions to career and work life
Data tells us that investments we are making are working. But there is room for improvement. 10.4% of adults in the Cedar Valley do not have a high school diploma. 8.5% of households in our community speak a language other than English. Only 69.5% of 4th graders in our community are proficient in reading.
Cedar Valley United Way is strategically investing in education programs that are giving children a stronger educational foundation. We're providing mentors, preschool and child care scholarships, learning opportunities and much more. Below are the programs receiving grant funding in the area of education.
2020-2021 Education Funding Grants
Afterschool & Summer Learning:
Project Learn | $20,000
Boys & Girls Club of the Cedar Valley
Family and School Based Target Education* | $27,500
Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center
YMCA School-Age Care | $12,000
Family YMCA of Black Hawk County
Cedar Valley Readers* | $10,000
Operation Threshold, Inc.
Youth Center | $7,500
The Salvation Army
WE Believe Summer Learning Academy | $28,472.50
Waterloo Community Schools
College & Career Preparation:
Summer Nurse Camp | $5,000
Allen College
iJAG: Bridging the Gap Between High School and Careers | $40,000
iJAG
Early Education:
Childcare Support | $18,500
Cedar Valley Preschool & Child Care
Quality Child Care Services | $44,800
Grin and Grow Ltd.
Cedar Valley Readers* | $10,000
Operation Threshold, Inc.
RSVP Primetime Reading Buddies | $5,000
Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley
Parent & Mentor Support:
One-to-One Mentoring | $25,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa
Family and School Based Target Education* | $27,500
Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center
Home Visitation Program | $40,000
Operation Threshold
Parents Achieving Success with Support | $7,500
YWCA of Black Hawk County
Wize Girlz | $5,000
YWCA of Black Hawk County
Total Education Grants | $296,272.50
* Denotes program covers more than one focus-area