BRIGHT FUTURES

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UNITED IS THE WAY WE CREATE BRIGHT FUTURES

Literacy proficiency and early learning are strong indicators of long-term success. Investing in early childhood education programs helps more children hit grade-level benchmarks. 

In 2024, our investments and programs supported:

  • 221 children enrolled in sliding fee scale spots at quality child care centers
  • 343 children reported academic success
  • 93% of children served met or exceeded child development expectations

By 2030, United Way of Story County will deliver 12,500 high-quality early childhood education opportunities through: 

  • Birth through third grade focus
  • Quality, affordable child care
  • Kindergarten readiness
  • Expanding Iowa Reading Corps
  • Summer learning experiences

BRIGHT FUTURES IN STORY COUNTY

We aim to create opportunities for youth by making sure all children are prepared for school and achieve their third-grade reading goals. By working together with local organizations, we hope to pave the way for every child in Story County to succeed academically.

NOTE: Data from 2023 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess reading proficiency in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.

There is a significant gap in reading proficiency, especially at the third grade level in Story County: 

  • 24% of kindergartners are below fall literacy benchmarks
  • 32% of third graders are not proficient
  • 15% of eighth graders are not proficient
  • 20% of eleventh graders are not proficient

Invest in high-quality, out-of-school learning programs with an emphasis on youth from birth through third grade. These programs include:

  • Sliding scale fee spots at nonprofit childcare centers
  • Iowa Reading Corps in-school tutoring program at local elementary schools
  • Early childhood family and parent classes (pre-kindergarten)
  • Summer learning and after-school programs

These strategic investments deliver tangible outcomes for Story County youth:

  • 24% of students in UWSC-affiliated programs improved their reading level
  • 72% of students participating in Iowa Reading Corps exceeded target growth
  • 81% of youth K-8 reported feeling a sense of belonging
  • 85% of youth K-8 improved or maintained positive relationship skills
  • 94% of students reported learning a new skill

We are here to help all kids get ready for kindergarten by offering programs and resources that support early learning. Our goal is to make sure every child in Story County has the skills they need to succeed in school.

NOTE: Data from 2023 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess school readiness in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.

Many children in Story County face challenges before ever stepping in a classroom:

  • 8% of newborns face three or more cumulative birth risks (i.e., poverty, pre-term/low birth weight, exposure to toxins, etc.)
  • 13% of children under 5 years old are living in poverty
  • 19% of children do not enroll in preschool before entering kindergarten
  • 24% of kindergarteners are below fall benchmarks for early universal literacy screening measures

Help children and parents nurture a love for learning during early childhood development through:

  • Access to basic needs
  • Increate capacity of affordable, high-quality childcare at local childcare centers
  • Provide resources and supports to families and caregivers that strengthen interactions and promote early learning in a home environment
  • Partner with local childcare centers to offer employee recruitment and retention incentives

These strategic investments deliver tangible outcomes for Story County children and families:

  • 60 new childcare slots were opened at partner centers
  • 68% of childcare employees stayed in their positions
  • 80% of children ages 0-5 improved proficiency in early literacy skills from pre- to post-assessments
  • 93% of children ages 0-5 met or exceeded widely held child development expectations
  • 100% of caregivers participating in a family support program successfully exited the program
  • 124 caregivers were provided with information, training, tools, and resources 

 

LOCAL INVESTMENTS & INITIATIVES

Partner Agencies