Pathway to Improving Educational Achievement
Our Challenge
Many students leave school between the 9th and 10th grades because they are unprepared for the challenges of high school.
Our Path
We fund nonprofit organizations that support students who are in danger of not making the successful transition from middle school to high school.
Our Results
United Way’s youth partners – collectively known as “Tomorrow’s Leaders” – link their high-quality youth development practices to schools and families, helping kids successfully transition from middle to high school. These organizations are increasing the academic success of young people by providing homework assistance, academic counseling, college planning and preparation, and fostering caring relationships with adults, so kids can graduate from high school prepared for college and the workforce. So far for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, more than 30 Tomorrow’s Leaders partner organizations throughout Los Angeles County have helped 25,512 youth.
Our Challenge
Of those students that do graduate, fewer than half have completed the college prep courses required for admission to California’s public universities.
Our Path
Equip middle school youth and their families with a practical knowledge of post-secondary options and the attitudes and aspirations to work toward them.
Our Results
United Way is increasing access to the A-G college prep curriculum by raising awareness of A-G (15 math, science, social science, history, language, electives, visual and performing arts courses required for admission to California public universities) and enabling more students to enroll. Through our community partnerships with school districts, educators, and advocacy organizations in Long Beach and Los Angeles, we are working to increase the number of students graduating from high school having completed these college prep classes.
Our Challenge
Parents struggle to navigate the complicated world of school systems, standardized testing, and state and federal education legislation.
Our Path
We promote positive parent-school-community partnerships that improve student performance by supporting the role of parents in their children’s education.
Our Results
United Way’s parent advocacy partners help thousands of parents provide essential encouragement to middle and high school aged students, both at home and in school.
So far for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, 733 parents have learned how to navigate the school system, guide their children to academic success, and act as leaders both at school and in their communities.