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.
![Book Drive 2018 A young Rhode Islander reads a book collected during United Way of Rhode Island's annual Children's Book Drive.](https://www.unitedwayri.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/20180602-UWRI-122_P1-e1553029673829.jpg)
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.
![Advancing Childhood Learning Kid planting seeds inside in a homemade planter](https://www.unitedwayri.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pg2-a.png)
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.
![Americans-turn-to-211-helpline-amid-mounting-economic-hardships-CBS-News Americans-turn-to-211-helpline-amid-mounting-economic-hardships-CBS-News](https://www.unitedwayri.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Americans-turn-to-211-helpline-amid-mounting-economic-hardships-CBS-News-1024x576-landscape-9b27b99916c65648926c52e6ef641c59-.png)
Americans turn to 211 helpline amid mounting economic hardships
CBS News
The Wall Street Journal reports Americans are turning to social services helpline 211 in economic emergencies. Rachel Wolfe, consumer trends reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News to discuss.
![RogerWilliamsEast1-JeremyBernfeld-scaled RogerWilliamsEast1-JeremyBernfeld-scaled](https://www.unitedwayri.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/RogerWilliamsEast1-JeremyBernfeld-scaled-1-1024x576-landscape-42ea7e8de02cedd2fe5d2f5b0468725f-.webp)
Internet After the End of the COVID-era Affordable Connectivity Program
The Public's Radio
Courtney Smith, Director of Innovation and Community Outreach at the United Way of Rhode Island joins The Public's Radio to discuss tips on accessing affordable and reliable internet after the end of the COVID-era Affordable Connectivity program.
![free-meals-available free-meals-available](https://www.unitedwayri.org/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/free-meals-available-landscape-73c48086565819821478557fa32ae162-.webp)
Free meals available for RI kids this summer
WPRI
State officials announced Tuesday that the Summer Food Service Program will resume in early July. Free meals will be served in communities statewide to Rhode Island students 18 and younger, with no registration required.
United Way Hosting Equity Challenge
As part of United Way of Rhode Island’s ongoing commitment to and demonstration of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the organization is preparing to host its 2024 Equity Challenge. All Rhode Islanders, individuals, and families, as well as local businesses, organizations, and groups are invited to participate in the challenge, which is being offered at no […]
United Way Accepting Applications for Providence Equity Fund
In collaboration with the City of Providence and aligned with its mission to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders, United Way has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the Providence Equity Fund grant program. Available funding is to support strategies that promote racial and social equity, economic mobility, and educational opportunities for underserved populations in Providence.
United Way Hosts 12th Children’s Book Drive
United Way of Rhode Island’s Children’s Book Drive is back! In April and May, we’re teaming up with Books Are Wings to help Rhode Island children build their own libraries at home. Join us by buying and shipping books, dropping off books at one of our collection sites, or hosting a drive.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Celebration 2024
Save the date!
Thursday, October 10
6 - 8 p.m.
Waterfire Arts Center
475 Valley St., Providence