Youth Opportunity
Basic Needs • Early Learning • Career Readiness
Helping young people realize their full potential
WHY IT MATTERS: Children who enter kindergarten ready to learn and go on to complete high school are more likely to develop the skills needed to succeed in higher education, today’s complex job market, and society at large. Adults with higher levels of education are also more likely to secure employment that offers family-sustaining wages. At United Way, we support children from the start and empower youth to achieve their full potential by removing obstacles in their path. We promote early childhood education, build literacy, math, and critical thinking skills, and strengthen college and career readiness as well as family involvement—creating a future where all young people can pursue and achieve their dreams.
KEY EARLY LEARNING MEASURES IN OUR COMMUNITY:
Statewide, most 4-year-olds attend public preschool, but few 3-year-olds do
HOW WE WILL MOVE CLOSER TO OUR GOALS:
- Increase family support resources for parent-led at home early learning
- Increase the number of accredited and quality-rated preschool programs
- Expand the number of children enrolled in preschool, focusing on expanding access to quality programs that offer all-day and 3-year-old options and those operating in areas underserved by preschool or child care
Share of 3 and 4-year-olds not enrolled in preschool
49%
in Johnson County
38%
in Washington County
KEY MEASURES OF YOUTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT IN OUR COMMUNITY
- Region-wide, more than a third of students rely on free or reduced-price school meals
- Students largely feel connected to school, but the degree of connection varies by group
HOW WE WILL MOVE CLOSER TO OUR GOALS:
- Expand access to non-academic support services by implementing models that meet the unique needs of local schools and districts
- Increase access to career advising so students better understand their education and job options
- Increase family support services to help parents meet basic needs and foster strong, nurturing relationships with their children
Percent of students eligible for free or reduced-priced meals by school district
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Key career-readiness measures in our community:
- Nearly one-third of eighth graders are not proficient in math
- Overall, 9 of 10 students graduate from high school on time, but some groups — notably students with disabilities and those in rural areas — have much lower graduation rates
Share of 18- and 19-year-olds not enrolled in school
in Johnson County
in Washington County
HOW WE WILL MOVE CLOSER TO OUR GOALS:
- Expand opportunities for students to participate in career academies, trade programs, and apprenticeships
- Increase access to job and life mentoring to help students develop skills for future careers
- Increase access to career advising so students better understand their education and job options
of the region’s graduating seniors did not intend to go on any additional education or training or join the military
Percent of eighth graders proficient in math by school district
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UNITED WAY’S ROLE IN YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
Fund & Collaborate
We’re investing in cradle-to-career education by supporting quality child care and early childhood education, including programs like Reading Buddies and Math Kits to foster early learning and build strong connections with families. We know that parents are children’s first teachers. We also lead initiatives that prepare youth for success in the classroom and beyond, through tutoring, mentoring and social-emotional learning such as empathy and confidence.
Advocate & Educate
United Way advocates for youth opportunities by raising awareness of early learning gaps, expanding preschool access, and supporting parent-led education at home. It strengthens family support through services that address basic needs and mental health while promoting student engagement and belonging. To enhance academic and career readiness, United Way advocates for career academies, apprenticeships, and mentoring programs while addressing proficiency gaps in reading and math. By sharing critical data, increasing resources, and advocating for policy changes, United Way ensures all children have access to quality education and support systems that prepare them for future success.