Educational Success

Greater Twin Cities United Way's Vision:

All children are ready to thrive academically, personally and socially.

Action Day - backpack recipient, young girl with blue backpack

Our Policy and Advocacy Agenda

LEAD:

Protect existing investments for early learning scholarships, targeted home visiting and the Parent Aware quality rating system.

SUPPORT:

• Achieve federal conformity for Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to fully access federal funds available.
• Expand funding and policies to advance career and future readiness programs, including afterschool, summer youth enrichment and career pathways programs.

ENDORSE/MONITOR:

• Advance funding and policies to increase access to concurrent enrollment programs that allow high school students to earn college course credits.
• Advance policies to reduce student financial responsibilities for post-secondary education.

Key Statistics

Early Learning

80% of brain development occurs by age 3, and during these critical years, many of poverty’s challenges can inhibit young children’s development and educational success.
Educational Disparities

Gaps in opportunity begin early on and persist through adulthood. In Minnesota, children facing persistent poverty are:
13% less likely to graduate high school
29% less likely to enroll in post-secondary education
36% less likely to retain consistent employment
High School Graduation Rates

In the greater Twin Cities, 1 out of 5 students does not graduate from high school on time.
Access to Quality Child Care

More than 33,000 children across Minnesota are unable to access quality early childhood care and education during their most critical years for learning.

Stories

"Education is everything. I think our community has a duty to help children learn. "
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Devin & Fabíola
"We know the best path to a child’s success is high-quality, culturally relevant childcare and education. "
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Acooa Ellis, Senior Vice President of Community Impact