boy laying on his stomach reading a book

Education

We close opportunity gaps to ensure children read at grade level by 3rd grade and youth are prepared for educational success and employment.

EARLY LITERACY

Literacy Hubs are community-based spaces designed to close the literacy gap by providing students and families with critical reading support, tutoring and engagement opportunities for children from birth to third grade. These hubs offer personalized literacy support and help build a lifelong love of reading among participating children and a multi-generational approach that also supports their families.

The program has demonstrated measurable success, with children who participate in a Literacy Hub achieving higher benchmark success (83%) compared to the rate of success among their peers who did not participate (77%).

United Is the Way Every Child Thrives

Reading proficiently by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong success. Yet too many children face barriers that impact learning long before they enter a classroom.

When we unite around students and families, we create opportunities that improve educational outcomes today while building a stronger community for tomorrow.

How We Create Change

Lasting educational success requires more than classroom instruction. We work alongside schools, families and community partners to address the challenges that affect learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Literacy

Helping children build strong reading skills through tutoring, family engagement and literacy resources.

Family Engagement

Equipping parents and caregivers with tools to support learning at home.

Mentoring & Student Success

Connecting young people with caring adults who encourage confidence, resilience and academic achievement.

Community Partnerships

Bringing together schools, nonprofits, volunteers and businesses to expand opportunities for every student.

Featured Programs

Family at table
Community Literacy Hubs

Community Literacy Hubs provide local access to literacy support, tutoring, educational resources, and family engagement opportunities to improve reading skills and promote lifelong learning.

child reading with teacher
Chronic Absenteeism

Valley of the Sun United Way helps students improve school attendance through early intervention, family outreach, and support services that address barriers to regular school participation.

School Readiness Kits

School Readiness Kits equip young learners and their families with essential educational materials, literacy resources, and learning tools to support a successful transition into kindergarten and early elementary education.

FAFSA Support

Valley of the Sun United Way assists students and families with financial aid applications, increasing FAFSA completion rates and expanding access to postsecondary education opportunities.

Strong Partnerships. Brighter Futures.

Creating lasting educational success takes more than one organization. By working alongside schools, nonprofit partners and community leaders, we’re connecting students and families with the support they need to learn, grow and achieve their full potential.

Avondale Elementary School District
Be A Leader Foundation
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Camp Catanese Foundation
Child Crisis Arizona
College Bound AZ
Elevate Phoenix
Friendly House
Homeless Youth Connection
ICAN
Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates
Junior Achievement of Arizona
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
Make Way for Books
New Pathways for Youth
Peer Solutions
Southwest Human Development
Wesley Community Center

Explore Other Essential Areas

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Workforce Development

Opening pathways to better paying jobs.

doctor with her arms around a young patient

Health

Removing barriers to ensure everyone in our community is healthy, with a focus on access to food and health care.

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