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

Early Childhood Education: With your help, we support access to culturally-relevant, high-quality early childhood care and education from prenatal to age 5.

Career and Future Readiness: For youth in grades 6-12, we support social and emotional learning through out-of-school-time programs, and increase access to career pathway programs.

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

  • DFS
    "Education is everything. I think our community has a duty to help children learn. "
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    Devin & Fabíola
  • advocacyphotoedit
    "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
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