Advancing childhood learning
ACHIEVE UNITED
WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST
Eighty percent of learning happens outside the classroom. Unfortunately, families struggling to make ends meet often don’t have the time, money, or access to provide these out-of-classroom experiences.
<50%
of Rhode Island Pre-K children are in school or early-learning programs
33%
of Black and Latinx fourth graders are proficient readers, compared to 57% of their white classmates
37,471
Rhode Island kids do not have access to afterschool programs
WHAT WE'RE DOING TO ADVANCE CHILDHOOD LEARNING
Advocating for resources to build literacy
United Way of Rhode Island focuses on inspiring children to fall in love with reading and ensuring that all Rhode Island children walk into the classroom with the tools to learn. To accomplish this, we are mobilizing families and other community members to advocate for more resources for communities that serve a disproportionate number of students not reading at their proper grade level.
This year, we will continue to engage youth to brainstorm activities to improve their schools and communities. We will also explore public/private partnerships and funding to increase literacy levels for Rhode Island children.
Advocating for out-of-school time learning
We know that Rhode Islanders are impacted by the environment they live in, and they are impacted by the neighborhoods they live in. We are creating pathways for more youth of color to participate in high quality out-of-school time learning. We are also working to reduce the pathway to prison, using education as a key catalyst.
This year, we’ll be campaigning to secure state funding for out-of-school time learning programs, specifically in areas with the greatest access needs. We will invest in and support programs focused on restorative justice practices, empowering young people, and trauma-informed care.
what our "ACHIEVE UNITED" goals are
2x
fourth-grade reading proficiency of Rhode Island’s Black and Latinx children
+50%
access to and participation in out-of-school time learning in low-income communities
HOW YOU CAN HELP ADVANCE CHILDHOOD LEARNING
Make every hour count for all our kids.
Join
Join the Rhode Island Afterschool Network (RIAN) to stay informed about the issues and learn how you can advocate for more funding for afterschool programs.
Advocate
Contact your local legislator and let them know you support out-of-school time learning and would like to see it supported in the state budget.
GIVE
Your contribution to United Way of Rhode Island will help us continue to expand childhood learning.
IN THE NEWS
3 Things Going On At The General Assembly
The Bartholomewtown Podcast
Bill Bartholomew breaks down 3 different things happening inside the Rhode Island General Assembly that you may not be aware of — childcare investments, autobody bills and insurance premiums, and afterschool and summer learning legislation. Guests include United Way of Rhode Island's Kyle Bennett, director, policy and equity, and Marlene Guay, program officer, child development and 2-gen initiatives.
Ofrecen viajes gratis para vacunas en R.I.
Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra
"El gobernador Dan McKee anunció una asociación con Uber y United Way 2-1-1 para proporcionar 10,000 viajes gratis a todos los sitios de vacunas de R.I."
Uber/United Way offer free rides to vaccines
NBC 10 News
"Gov. Dan McKee on Monday said Uber has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to give residents free rides to coronavirus vaccination sites... By calling 211, residents who need a ride to get their vaccines will be connected to free rides."
UPCOMING EVENTS
Power of the Purse Online Auction
From June 11 – 25, Women United will host Power of the Purse. This year's signature fundraiser is a silent online auction of fabulous handbags. Designers include Tory Burch, Coach, Kate Spade, Brahim, and more. All proceeds will go towards grants for community partners that positively impact children’s literacy.