Education

Education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. But with more than 1.2 million children dropping out each year, America faces an education crisis. The cost? More than $312 billion in lost wages, taxes and productivity over their lifetimes. These trends are reversible, but only when communities and public, private and nonprofit sectors work together.

EDUCATION

WHY IS EARLY LITERACY CRITICAL?

When children are born, they all have the potential to succeed in school and in life. But at some point, their circumstances will affect the opportunities they have and, ultimately, their chances in life. While many children have the support they need to get started on the right foot, prepared for school and ready to succeed, not all children are as fortunate. Too many children live in an environment that isn’t preparing them for a bright future. Brought on by their circumstances, the barriers they face shadow their belief in themselves and what they are capable of.

Most Americans wrongly believe that it is OK for children to enter school without basic literacy skills because they assume they will catch up. The reality is, 88 percent of first graders who are reading below grade level will continue to read below grade level in fourth grade.

Fourth graders who struggle to read are four times more likely to drop out of school as compared to proficient readers.

THE HIGH COST OF FALLING BEHIND

When students drop out of high school, it’s at great cost to themselves and our community. The student will likely not have the same career opportunities, and research shows that those without a high school diploma will earn 75 percent less than their peer that graduated. The social implications of a student dropping out are far-reaching, beyond any one student or any one family. Communities with higher dropout rates have more crime and poverty and less social and economic stability. The number of high school students who graduate impacts our entire community from our businesses, schools, and local government, to each of us as individuals.

UNITED WAY OF SLO COUNTY WORKS TO BREAK THE CYCLE

United Way is committed to help change these conditions by leading a comprehensive approach to improving early literacy in our region. United Way is launching our Early Literacy Initiative, bringing together the resources and the expertise necessary for real progress. Through partnerships and collaboration, United Way is uniquely positioned to lead an innovative, comprehensive approach to early literacy and deliver at a county-wide level. With the objective of sharing and reinforcing proven literacy development techniques, our vision for a successful, regional early literacy initiative requires a multi-prong approach. The Early Literacy Initiative will make a lasting change because it helps children build the necessary reading skills through parental engagement, volunteer mobilization, caregiver support, and community awareness.

  • Early Literacy to ensure children surpass key school readiness and early grade-level reading benchmarks (ages 0 – 12)
  • Youth Success to help ensure children graduate high school with the skills necessary to pursue post-secondary education or vocational training (ages 13 – 18)

UNITED WAY EDUCATION PROGRAMS

United Way of SLO County also directly manages specific programs to assist caregivers, providers, and community supports to help children in SLO County succeed:

Born Learning Academy

The United Way Born Learning Academy teaches parents, teachers and caregivers of children how to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. United Way strives to meet parents where they are. That’s the philosophy of the United Way Born Learning initiative, which has helped more than 15 million parents understand how to use everyday moments as learning moments. More than 600 United Ways and partner organizations have used Born Learning’s materials to help parents, families and caregivers to promote school readiness and literacy, and to enlist business leaders and decision makers in the cause.

The United Way Born Learning Academy uses the best of those proven tips, tools and resources to help families take a more active role in preparing their children for kindergarten. These free work- shops are for parents and caregivers of children, from birth to age five. For United Ways, it’s a low- cost investment in family engagement and school readiness, without having to create a new curriculum. Wherever you are in your early education work, United Way Born Learning Academy can add momentum, help leverage partnerships and deep- en your community impact work.

Through a series of six to twelve workshops held in local schools, the Born Learning Academy provides families and caregivers with practical, user-friendly ideas to turn everyday activities into learning moments.
The Born Learning Academy can do more than strengthen your community’s school readiness efforts—it can also help your school partners
engage families before kids start kindergarten. Founded on an evidence-based curriculum established by early childhood faculty at Northern Kentucky University, the workshops are led by trained professionals—usually teachers, principals or other education staff—and focus on the following topics:

  • Building Relationships
  • Building Your Child’s Language Skills
  • Nutrition and Health
  • How Children Learn
  • Routines and Learning on the Go

Learn More >>

Imagination Library

Since we started the Imagination Library program in SLO County, more than 12,000 books have been mailed to local children!

Each child enrolled in the program receives a new, age-appropriate book every month from enrollment through five years of age. From their first book, “The Little Engine That Could”, through the last book of the series, “Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come,” all books are reviewed and selected by a panel of experts.

With United Way covering the cost of enrollment for many children, Imagination Library is especially valuable to low-income families who may find books to be an unaffordable luxury.  However, the number of children we can enroll is determined by the amount of generous donations we receive. We enroll new children through a referral partnership with SLO County Department of Social Services.

Your donation to Imagination Library helps give the gift of literacy to local children. $50 will enroll a child for one year, and $250 enrolls them from birth until their 5th birthday! Will you help sponsor a child for the Imagination Library program?

One year enrollment = $50
Two year enrollment = $100
Three year enrollment = $150
Four year enrollment = $200
Five year enrollment = $250

To make a general donation toward the program, please visit our donation page or call us at (805) 541-1234.

Learn More >>

Stuff the Bus

Every year in August, United Way of SLO County partners with 5 local school districts and businesses to Stuff the Bus!

Each business partner location hosts a school bus which is parked in the business's parking lot over the course of 2-3 days so community members can buy school supplies to donate to students in need. The donations are collected, sorted, counted and boxed on each bus by more than 100 community volunteers. We also offer local businesses the opportunity to be "School Supply Donation Sites" where the businesses offer donation drop off sites to their employees and some even accept donations from the public. This important program helps parents with the cost of sending a child back to school each year.

This much needed event continued online during Covid 2019-2021 which resulted in thousands of school supplies distributed to your school district’s youth and families in need.

This year, we are back in person and very excited!

In 2021: “Families with children attending K-12 plan to spend an average $848.90 per family in 2021. Spending is expected to total $37.1 billion, breaking last year’s record of $33.9 billion.

College students and their families expect to spend an average $1,200.32 per family. College spending is expected to total $71 billion, up from $67.7 billion last year.”

Source: https://nrf.com/topics/holiday-and-seasonal-trends/back-school/back-cla…

Learn More >>

Youth Board

The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Youth Board is a unique volunteer experience that gives youth the control and responsibility of their projects.  Up to thirty-five students serve as a United Way Youth Board of Directors and are given the opportunity to make a direct impact on their peers by addressing the needs of their community and awarding grants to local organizations. Each month, students from across the county meet to learn about SLO County and discuss community issues. At the end of the year, the board awards at least three $1,000 grants to local organizations that are making a difference. Members of the Youth Board represent the youth of the community, connect with community leaders and provide feedback about youth issues. They also participate in United Way projects and events, manage fundraising campaigns, and learn about the community and other local nonprofit organizations. Participating students are required to commit to at least one full term (September through June), and may miss up to FOUR meetings. Call (805) 541-1234 for more information.

YB Zoom pic 10-17-2022

2022-2023 Youth Board

Youth Board would like to THANK our primary sponsor, Balance Treatment Center, for their continued support!

Learn More >>

Our Strategy

High school dropouts are 12 years in the making, usually starting early childhood education behind schedule. United Way focuses on supportive communities, effective schools and strong families — strategies and approaches rooted in research. Tackling the education challenge requires reframing education on a birth to 21 continuum.

How you can help

To reach our goal, we need your help. The strategies proven to work are those that connect communities to their schools: parent involvement; literacy volunteers in the classroom; mentors for disadvantaged students; business leaders engaged in early childhood advocacy. Learn more about UWSLOC's programs in education:

BTC logo

Become a Youth Board Member

Are you interested in learning more about the community? Gaining leadership and teambuilding skills? Consider applying to be a member of the United Way Youth Board. SLO County youth entering 9th-12th grade are eligible for this FUN, FREE program.

Applications for 2022-2023 Youth Board membership. Download an application below.

 

2022-2023 Youth Board Meeting Calendar

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE - APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED!

Download our 2019-2020 Youth Board Brochure

Download our Youth Board Statistics Flyer.

Youth Board Summary

 

Questions? Contact Linda or call (805) 541-1234. Please download an application and submit by September 30, 2022.  Limited positions available. Apply Today! 

Youth Grants

About

Each year, the United Way Youth Board accepts applications for $1,000 grant awards to local groups that have created projects having a positive impact on youth (up to age 19). All applications are peer-reviewed by members of the Youth Board, our group of high school students seeking to increase philanthropy and leadership in San Luis Obispo County youth, and improve programs to better serve our community.

 

 

YOUTH BOARD GRANT APPLICATIONS WILL BE OPEN - January, 2023

Student-submitted applications have an adult ally and a sponsoring organization. This organization can be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, school, or faith-based organization. Strong projects allow the youth group planning the project to gain knowledge and skills. It will primarily benefit youth in the community, not just the project planners, and should be both creative and realistic.

Youth Board Grant Seekers Workbook - 2020

 

     

About 

YOUTH BOARD ESTABLISHED IN 2008

YOUTH BOARD MISSION & VISION

*Established by the 08-09 Youth Board

MISSION

The mission of the UWSLO Youth Board is to develop youth leadership and opportunities in the community by building awareness and making an impact through involvement in the United Way decision making process through awarding grants to local organizations.

VISION

The United Way Youth Board envisions the development of a community in which all youths feel inspired to participate in community service while bettering themselves and San Luis Obispo County.  

The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Youth Board is a unique volunteer experience that gives youth the control and responsibility of their projects.  Up to thirty-five students serve as a United Way Youth Board of Directors and are given the opportunity to make a direct impact on their peers by addressing the needs of their community and awarding grants to local organizations.  Each month, students from across the county meet to learn about SLO County and discuss community issues.  At the end of the year, the board awards at least three $1,000 grants to local organizations that are making a difference.  Members of the Youth Board represent the youth of the community, connect with community leaders and provide feedback about youth issues.  They also participate in United Way projects and events, manage fundraising campaigns, and learn about the community and other local nonprofit organizations.  Participating students are required to commit to at least one full term (September through June), and may miss up to FOUR meetings.  Call (805) 541-1234 for more information.

The Youth Board meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM unless otherwise notified. Thank you to French Hospital for the complimentary use of the Copeland Health Education Pavillion Auditorium.

Youth Board would like to recognize and thank Balance Treatment for their continued support and sponsorship of this program.

   

Balance Treatment Center logo

 

2018-2019 Youth Board promoting 2-1-1 SLO County in this TV spot

 

10th Anniversary Youth Board Celebration Video

Music Video

This music video was created by our 2014-15 Youth Board to express how much fun they had being a part of the board.

Youth2You

Started in March 2018, members of the United Way Youth Board recorded Episode 1 of their radio show, Youth2You. Continuing in 2019, listen to recent episodes that are aired LIVE on KYXZ LP 107.9 FM in South SLO County, Youth2You is a youth radio show about what high school students think about current events and how they relate to our community. Listen to episodes below:  

 

Youth Board - Why LIVE UNITED video!

"My family would like to thank you for providing the Youth Board program. My daughter has learned the procedures and effectiveness of structure and making a difference through serving on the United Way Youth Board. She had continued what she has learned from United Way in other areas of her life which include college, service work, and commitment to her school and family. I am pleased that she has learned through her experiences participating with United Way. Continue your good work!" Noreen Martin, CEO of Martin Resorts, Inc.

Stuff the Bus 2022 is here - IN PERSON!

 

Join in United Way of San Luis Obispo County's 14th Annual STUFF THE BUS!

It’s that time again to stuff our school buses with needed school supplies for local students!  This much needed event continued during Covid 19 which resulted in collecting thousands of school supplies distributed to your school district's youth and families in need.  This year we are back in person and very excited!

More than ever, many local students and teachers are in need of the supplies necessary to begin the year successfully.  For the past 13 years we have partnered with local school districts to get these school supplies to the kids and families who need them most.  

United Way of San Luis Obispo invites local businesses who want to participate by setting up their own collection sites for employees and customers!  Online donations can also be completed.  For more information please email lindawingert@unitedwayslo.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Check out these great features from our media sponsor,

 

Thank you to American General Media for sponsoring our Radio PSA's!
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you 1st Capital Bank and Dignity Health-French Hospital for your continued sponsorship!

 

Why is this important?

In 2019, the number of homeless people throughout San Luis Obispo County increased by 32% with at least 10% being children.  In 2020-21, 45% of San Luis Obispo County students were eligible for free/reduced price meals (https://www.ed-data.org/county/san-luis-obispo/).  Research based upon the U.S. Department of Education and the 2013 U.S. Census, reflects 2.5 million children in America-one in every 30 children-go to sleep without a home each year.  

Stuff the Bus helps ease the financial burden placed upon our families, promotes learning, encourages
self-esteem and helps kids stay in school. Students who receive backpacks and supplies are those who are considered
low income, socioeconomically disadvantaged or homeless — they live in shelters, motels, sheds, garages and other
places not originally meant for human habitation.

The impact of homelessness on children, especially young children, is devastating and may lead to changes in brain architecture that can affect learning, emotional self regulation, cognitive skills, and social relationships.  Homeless children are more likely than other children to experience hunger and malnutrition, and to develop physical and mental health problems (2). Emotional distress, developmental delays, and decreased academic achievement are also more common among this population (2). Many of these children and youth experience deep poverty, family instability, and exposure to domestic violence before becoming homeless, and homelessness increases their vulnerability to additional trauma (1, 2). In addition to the risks faced by homeless children, including increased vulnerability to sexual exploitation, youth without homes are far more likely than their peers to be infected with HIV and have other serious health problems (2, 3, 4).

With the support of local partners, volunteers, and members of our community, Stuff the Bus collects supplies such as backpacks, binders, pens/pencils, and notebooks to distribute throughout the county located in five school districts (PRJUSD, AUSD, SLCUSD, LMUSD and Coast USD). 
 

Sources for this narrative:

1.  Bassuk, E. L., et al. (2014). America’s youngest outcasts: A report card on child homelessness. National Center on Family Homelessness. Retrieved from: https://www.air.org/resource/americas-youngest-outcasts-report-card-child-homelessness

2.  American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Community Pediatrics. (2013). Providing care for children and adolescents facing homelessness and housing insecurity. Pediatrics, 131(6), 1206-1210. Retrieved from: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/131/6/1206

3.  Walker, K. (2013). Ending the commercial sexual exploitation of children: A call for multi-system collaboration in California. California Child Welfare Council. Retrieved from: http://youthlaw.org/publication/ending-commercial-sexual-exploitation-of-children-a-call-for-multi-system-collaboration-in-california

4.  California Homeless Youth Project. (2014). HIV and youth homelessness: Housing as health care. Retrieved from: http://cahomelessyouth.library.ca.gov/docs/pdf/HIV&YouthHomelessnessFINAL.pdf

5.  National Center for Homeless Education. (2017). Federal data summary school years 2013-14 to 2015-16: Education for homeless children and youth. Retrieved from: https://nche.ed.gov/pr/data_comp.php

 

Since we started the Imagination Library program in SLO County, more than 20,000 books have been mailed to local children!

Each child enrolled in the program receives a new, age-appropriate book every month from enrollment through five years of age. From their first book, “The Little Engine That Could”, through the last book of the series, “Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come,” all books are reviewed and selected by a panel of experts.

With United Way covering the cost of enrollment for many children, Imagination Library is especially valuable to low-income families who may find books to be an unaffordable luxury. However, the number of children we can enroll is determined by the amount of generous donations we receive.

Your donation to Imagination Library helps give the gift of literacy to local children. $50 will enroll a child for one year, and $250 enrolls them from birth until their 5th birthday! Will you help sponsor a child for the Imagination Library program?

One year enrollment = $50
Two year enrollment = $100
Three year enrollment = $150
Four year enrollment = $200
Five year enrollment = $250

To make a donation to Imagination Library, please visit our donation page or call us at (805) 541-1234.

Studies show that if a child can read at grade level by the time she or he is in fourth grade, they increase their chances of succeeding in middle school and graduating on time from high school. This program gets children excited about reading and before they even enter kindergarten, they can have their own personal library. It also helps strengthen families by encouraging positive interaction between adults and children through shared reading.

Developed in 1996 by writer and singer Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library is intended to encourage a love of reading and learning. Her impoverished childhood and father’s illiteracy inspired the country legend to create the program in her native Sevier County, Tennessee. Since then, the Imagination Library has delivered over 132,397,655 million books around the world,and on February 27, 2018, the 100 millionth book was dedicated to the Library of Congress.

Check out the USA Book List for all 60 books!

Imagination Library is generously sponsored by Friends of the late Larry Baur, C.P.A.