At United Way, we want all kids to soar. So we work with the people who care for them — from families and neighbors, to schools and community agencies — to connect young people with the support they need.
United is the Way for Youth to Reach Their Full Potential
From cradle to career, United Way is committed to helping young people thrive. Through strategic investments and powerful partnerships, we’re focused on removing barriers and creating opportunities so every child in Champaign County can succeed.
United Way’s Youth Opportunity Grant funding cycle spans two years, running from July 1 through June 30. This model provides consistent, long-term support for programs working to improve outcomes for children and youth in Champaign County. As part of the Early Grade Level Success strategy, funded partners align their efforts with United Way’s bold goals:
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Increase the number of students demonstrating kindergarten readiness in at least one area by 10%
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Increase the number of Black students meeting standards in Math and English Language Arts by 10%
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Increase the number of low-income students meeting standards in Math and English Language Arts by 10%
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Decrease chronic absenteeism by 10%
These goals guide our investments and partnerships to ensure all children have the foundation they need to succeed.
Our Youth Opportunity work is focused on two key areas:
Success in life starts with a strong start in school.
But too many children in Champaign County enter kindergarten unprepared—lacking early learning support, reading readiness, and basic math skills. This early gap leads to long-term challenges, from falling behind in the classroom to lower high school graduation rates and limited career opportunities.
That’s why we’re investing big in our smallest community members.
On July 1, 2021, United Way awarded $700,000 in two-year grants to local programs focused on early grade level success. Together, these programs share three clear goals:
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Increase kindergarten readiness by 10%
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Improve math and English Language Arts scores by 10% for Black and low-income students
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Decrease chronic absenteeism by 10%
Our Strategy: Start Early, Support Continuously
Our approach is comprehensive—beginning before birth and continuing through third grade. By working United, we are changing the trajectory for kids and families through targeted supports like:
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Home visits by nurses, social workers, and educators for low-income families with children ages 0–5
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Installation of ten Born Learning Trails to promote early literacy through play
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Developmental screenings and early intervention services
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Free Read. Talk. Play. Every Day! calendars in English, Spanish, and French for preschoolers
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Summer programs to help children and families get kindergarten-ready
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One-on-one volunteer reading and math support in local classrooms
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After-school and summer academic programs in reading, math, and science for K–3 students
This is transformational work—not just transactional.
United Way isn’t just writing checks. We’re bringing partners together to build lasting, systemic change. We're organizing reading volunteers, supporting attendance campaigns, putting books into kids’ hands, and staying focused on equity—especially for Black and low-income students.
Special Projects in Early Grade Level Success
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Born Learning Trails
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
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Read. Talk. Play. Every Day! public awareness campaign
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Read. Talk. Play. Every Day! calendar distribution
High School and Beyond
We’re excited to expand our work to support students through graduation and into their future. More details coming soon!