Goal: Youth achieve academic goals and demonstrate life skills necessary to become positive, contributing members of the community.

Focus Areas

• School readiness

• Early grade reading

• Middle school success and reading

• High school graduation

School readiness is the first step on the path to a successful life. Children are born learning, and the critical period between birth and school can determine a child’s future. Ninety percent of brain development occurs before a child enters the classroom so early learning is key.

Children from low-income families may already be 1-2 years behind their peers when they start school. United Way of Washington County knows that education is one of the building blocks for a successful life. That’s why we’re committed to improving school readiness, promoting early grade reading and advancing personal development.

In 2023, we achieved the following results to advance the education of all Washington County students:

• 71% of children matched with a mentor reported avoiding risky behaviors (i.e., AODA, truancy).
• 76% of youth enrolled in educational programs increased or maintained expected academic performance.
• 89% of birth to 3 children demonstrated increased communication skills following six months of services.

In 2025, we are partnering with the following agencies to fund programs that advance our county's education initiatives: