Education

Perhaps no other “building block” is more essential to future success than a quality education. But sadly, many children in Hays & Caldwell Counties don’t have the same opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed as others.

UWHCC works through programs and patners at each critical stage of a child’s development, starting at birth, through elementary and middle school, and on through high school graduation.

United Way of Hays & Caldwell Counties supports programs that strengthen early childhood learning and development opportunities for infants, babies and toddlers, provide guidance to local youth through mentoring and tutoring initiatives, increase access to enriched learning opportunities for students of all ages, provide after-school and in-school supports and strengthen literacy skills for struggling readers.

To help facilitate the education of ALL Hays & Caldwell County children United Way has adopted the following goals that will help children and youth reach their potential:

• Increase percentage of children who enter school (kindergarten) ready to learn.
• Increase percentage of children reading on grade level by 3^rd grade
• Increase percentage of young people graduating from high school on time.

Early Childhood Education

According to the latest data provided by the E3 Alliance, only 41% of children in Central Texas are considered "school ready", meaning upon entering school they have basic skills such as letter and sound recognition, basic knowledge of colors, numbers, shapes and motor skills. United Way of Hays County is working to improve access to quality early learning opportunities. By working through programs designed to encourage parental engagement in early learning, UWHCC aims to make sure that all children have a strong start.

Literacy in Hays & Caldwell Counties

Literacy is also a top priority for UWHCC. A student that does not read on grade level by 3rd grade has a 78% chance of NOT catching up. Low-literacy skills have been linked to poverty, crime and poor health. United Way of Hays & Caldwell Counties has recognized the importance of on-grade level reading and literacy skills as a foundation for a successful life. By working with reading programs, as well as through the LIVE UNITED Library, UWHCC is able to reach into the community to provide enhanced learning opportunities.