UNITED IS THE WAY WE CREATE BRIGHT FUTURES
Literacy proficiency and early learning are strong indicators of long-term success. Investing in early childhood education programs helps more children hit grade-level benchmarks.
In 2024, our investments and programs supported:
- 221 children enrolled in sliding fee scale spots at quality child care centers
- 343 children reported academic success
- 93% of children served met or exceeded child development expectations
By 2030, United Way of Story County will deliver 12,500 high-quality early childhood education opportunities through:
- Birth through third grade focus
- Quality, affordable child care
- Kindergarten readiness
- Expanding Iowa Reading Corps
- Summer learning experiences
BRIGHT FUTURES IN STORY COUNTY
We aim to create opportunities for youth by making sure all children are prepared for school and achieve their third-grade reading goals. By working together with local organizations, we hope to pave the way for every child in Story County to succeed academically.
NOTE: Data from 2019 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess reading proficiency in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.
Reading proficiency, especially at the third grade level, is lower than average
- 31.7% of third graders are not proficient
- 15.3% of eighth graders are not proficient
- 20.1% of eleventh graders are not proficient
Offer extra learning opportunities beyond the classroom
- Address child and family basic needs
- Foster child development
- Involve the community to increase wrap around supports
23.8% of students improved their reading level
- 737 students participated in summer enrichment programs
- 310,394 reading minutes logged in out-of-school programs (school year & summer)
- 932 volunteers logged 37,361 hours for children’s programs
We are here to help all kids get ready for kindergarten by offering programs and resources that support early learning. Our goal is to make sure every child in Story County has the skills they need to succeed in school.
NOTE: Data from 2019 or most recent year available. While these indicators are not the only ways to assess school readiness in our community, these are data points that illustrate that there is a need in our goal area.
23.6% of kindergarteners are below fall benchmark levels for early universal literacy screening measures
- 8% of Story County newborns face 3 or more cumulative birth risks
- 19% of students are not enrolled in preschool in the year before entering kindergarten
- 13.4% of students under 5 living in poverty
Help children and parents nurture a love for learning during early childhood development
- Address child and family basic needs
- Foster child development
- Provide resources and supports to families and caregivers that strengthen interactions and promote early learning in a home environment
- Increase capacity of high-quality childcare in Story County
221 children enrolled in high-quality early childhood education programs
- 93% of children ages 0-5 met or exceeded widely held child development expectations
- 67 caregivers were provided with information, training, tools, and resources
- 74 new childcare slots were opened
LOCAL INVESTMENTS & INITIATIVES
Partner Agencies
Program Indicators
Youth Opportunity Indicator #1
Children enter school developmentally on track - LEARN MORE
Youth Opportunity Indicator #2
Children exit third grade reading at grade level - LEARN MORE
Youth Opportunity Indicator #3
Learners develop the skills needed for life and career, including but not limited to civic literacy, employability skills, financial literacy, and health literacy - LEARN MORE