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.
Featured Programs
Valley of the Sun United Way has launched Attendance Matters as part of the Supporting Attendance Across Maricopa County project.
Scholastic and the Valley of the Sun United Way have partnered together to facilitate powerful school-to-home connections. Conveniently bundled in a friendly tote bag for learning at home or on the go, this English and Spanish bilingual kit comes packed with over 80 fun and educational activities for families to do with their children in preparation for school.
Our FAFSA Support, aligned with the Arizona FAFSA Challenge, helps students and families confidently complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Valley of the Sun United Way is a proud partner in this statewide effort. Through school- and community-based assistance, students receive guidance, tools, and hands-on help to simplify the financial aid process and encourage on-time completion – for long-term success.
Strong Partnerships. Brighter Futures.
A New Leaf
Be a Leader Foundation
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Camp Cantanese Foundation
Candelen
Catholic Charities Community Services
Chicanos Por La Causa
Child Crisis Arizona
Dysart Community Center
Elevate Phoenix
Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
Friendly House
Hope Ignites Phoenix, fka Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona
ICAN
Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
Make Way for Books
MentorKids USA
Neighborhood Ministries
New Pathways for Youth
Read Better Be Better
Solari
SOUNDS Academy
Southwest Human Development
Union Elementary School District
Upward for Children and Families
Valley of the Sun YMCA
Wesley Community Center0
Explore Other Essential Areas
Health
Removing barriers to ensure everyone in our community is healthy, with a focus on access to food and health care.
