We all know that a quality education is a key building block for a good quality of life. A good education leads to greater chances for success throughout a person's life.
Cedar Valley United Way is helping children and youth achieve their potential through education by working toward the following goals:
- Creating productive and engaged young adults
- Partnering with schools and parents to improve academic achievement in children
- Creating successful transitions to career and work life
Data tells us that investments we are making are working. But there is room for improvement. 10.4% of adults in the Cedar Valley do not have a high school diploma. 8.5% of households in our community speak a language other than English. Only 69.5% of 4th graders in our community are proficient in reading.
Cedar Valley United Way is strategically investing in education programs that are giving children a stronger educational foundation. We're providing mentors, preschool and child care scholarships, learning opportunities and much more. Below are the programs receiving grant funding in the area of education.
2024-2026 EDUCATION GRANTS:
Early Education:
Cedar Valley Preschool & Child Care
Childcare Support | $12,750
Growing Minds Early Learning Center (Formerly Grin and Grow)
Quality Child Care Services | $41,800
Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley
RSVP Primetime Reading Buddies | $5,000
Afterschool & Summer Learning:
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley
Power Hour | $12,300
Summer Brain Gain | $6,150
One Cedar Valley
SHIPHT Youth Career Technical Education and Entrepreneurship Academy | $16,400
Waterloo Community Foundation
Youth Navigator Program | $17,550
YWCA of Black Hawk County
Wize Girlz | $8,200
College & Career Preparation:
iJAG
iJAG: Creating Inclusive Career Pathways for Underserved Youth | $38,000
Leader Valley Foundation
Leader in Me | $5,000
Parent & Mentor Support:
Operation Threshold
Home Visitation Program | $28,400
YWCA of Black Hawk County
Parents Achieving Success with Support | $8,200