Advancing childhood learning
ACHIEVE UNITED
WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST
Eighty percent of learning happens outside the classroom. Unfortunately, families struggling to make ends meet often don’t have the time, money, or access to provide these out-of-classroom experiences.
<50%
of Rhode Island Pre-K children are in school or early-learning programs
33%
of Black and Latinx fourth graders are proficient readers, compared to 57% of their white classmates
37,471
Rhode Island kids do not have access to afterschool programs
WHAT WE'RE DOING TO ADVANCE CHILDHOOD LEARNING
Advocating for resources to build literacy
United Way of Rhode Island focuses on inspiring children to fall in love with reading and ensuring that all Rhode Island children walk into the classroom with the tools to learn. To accomplish this, we are mobilizing families and other community members to advocate for more resources for communities that serve a disproportionate number of students not reading at their proper grade level.
This year, we will continue to engage youth to brainstorm activities to improve their schools and communities. We will also explore public/private partnerships and funding to increase literacy levels for Rhode Island children.
Advocating for out-of-school time learning
We know that Rhode Islanders are impacted by the environment they live in, and they are impacted by the neighborhoods they live in. We are creating pathways for more youth of color to participate in high quality out-of-school time learning. We are also working to reduce the pathway to prison, using education as a key catalyst.
This year, we’ll be campaigning to secure state funding for out-of-school time learning programs, specifically in areas with the greatest access needs. We will invest in and support programs focused on restorative justice practices, empowering young people, and trauma-informed care.
Working towards our Achieve United 2025 Goals
LIVE United 2025: Achieve United
Advancing Childhood Learning
Through our Achieve United pillar, we're working to ensure that all Rhode Island children walk into the classroom with the tools to learn. This includes increasing literacy levels and expanding access to afterschool and summer learning programs.
Goal: Third Grade Reading
Double the 3rd Grade reading proficiency of Rhode Island’s Black and Latino Children
Black Students
Source: RI Kids Count Fact Book
Frequency: Annual
Hispanic Students
HOW YOU CAN HELP ADVANCE CHILDHOOD LEARNING
Make every hour count for all our kids.
Join
Join the Rhode Island Afterschool Network (RIAN) to stay informed about the issues and learn how you can advocate for more funding for afterschool programs.
Advocate
Contact your local legislator and let them know you support out-of-school time learning and would like to see it supported in the state budget.
GIVE
Your contribution to United Way of Rhode Island will help us continue to expand childhood learning.
Adios, X/Twitter
Dear United Way of Rhode Island Community,
We wanted to share an important update about our social media strategy. After careful consideration, United Way of Rhode Island has made the decision to take an indefinite break from Twitter/X. While we recognize the role that digital platforms play in amplifying our work and connecting with our community, this decision aligns with our commitment to building a stronger and more equitable Rhode Island for all. (more…)
No matter who wins the presidential election, we must tackle the issues in Rhode Island ourselves
The Boston Globe RI
Addressing housing, education, and workforce problems will require a renewed commitment to collective work, community engagement, and social justice, according to United Way of Rhode Island.
United Way of Rhode Island impulsa la equidad y el compromiso cívico
WPRI 12 Informa
En una reciente entrevista en 12 Informa, María Elena Wah-Fitta, Manager of Brand Voice en United Way of Rhode Island, destacó los esfuerzos de la organización para promover la equidad racial y apoyar a las comunidades más vulnerables del estado.
United Way Honors Local Champions at 98th Annual Celebration
It’s been a year of creating a stronger, more equitable Rhode Island, and as United Way used its 98th Annual Celebration to cast light on the change made possible when our community works together, the organization also honored local champions who have gone above and beyond in service.
United Way of Rhode Island Receives $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to Support “United We Vote RI” Campaign
Providence, R.I. (October 15, 2024) – United Way of Rhode Island has received $20,000 from Point32Health Foundation to support its ongoing “United We Vote RI” campaign as the November election draws closer. The grant is part of a larger investment by the foundation to support advocacy work to promote policies that include the perspective of […]
United Way of Rhode Island Elects New Members to its Board of Directors
United Way of Rhode Island has installed a slate of five new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a unique and powerful perspective to the organization and its mission to create opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. Read more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
RI Olmstead Community Listening Session 1/ Sesiónes 1 de Escucha Communitarias de la Ley Olmstead
Come join us for the RI Olmstead Community Listening Sessions where we will discuss important topics and gather feedback related to disability rights, access and community integration. Your voice and lived experience matters, so come share your thoughts and ideas with us!
Location / Lugar
United Way of Rhode Island
50 Valley Street Providence, RI 02909
RIPTA: 17, 27, 28
Join us at the 50th anniversary of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
We are excited to have you join us for the 50th anniversary of the Earned Income Tax
Credit (EITC)
Date: January 31, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Rhode Island State House Library
82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903