Education

Community Challenges

Teens who do not participate in afterschool programs are nearly three times more likely to skip classes than teens who do participate. They are also three times more likely to use marijuana or other drugs, and are more likely to drink, smoke, and engage in sexual activity.

Most students, regardless of socio-economic status, lose about two months of grade-level equivalency in math when they spend their summers understimulated. Low-income students also experience a loss in reading.

United Way in Action

Terese Curtin and Charlotte Boudreau of Connecting for Children & Families in Woonsocket

We help children succeed in school by assuring that they receive highquality early childhood education by doubling the number of children in high-quality programs as determined by BrightStars Quality Rating and Improvement System. All of the data on education suggests that the best investment we can make is in our youngest learners. Further, we advocate that children have access to the highest quality afterschool programs with a strong academic component. The Rhode Island After School Plus Alliance, an education initiative of United Way of Rhode Island, not only provides best practice assistance to programs but is also working to double the number of children with access to these valuable programs.

Impacting Our Community

• 487 children were served in 2010 with 84% demonstrating greater engagement in learning and growth in important social skills.
• In 2010, BrightStars recruited and enrolled 58 new child care centers, approved preschools and licensed family child care programs; bringing total enrollment to 78 programs.
• From 2009 to 2010, enrollment in these programs increased by nearly 300%.
• Last year, 1,129 youth were served through Rhode Island Afterschool Plus Alliance programs, with nearly 70% demonstrating higher levels of school success.
• The Rhode Island Afterschool Plus Alliance and United Way of Rhode Island collected and distributed more than 23,000 supplies to five summer learning programs throughout the state.
• Ready to Learn Providence is providing critical support and technical assistance to early childhood programs, both center-based and family child care, in applying for a BrightStars rating and improving the quality of their programs based upon the nine BrightStars standards. Last year alone, 6 centers and 46 family child care providers were rated by BrightStars as a direct result of Ready to Learn Providence's assistance.

We are making progress, thanks to people like you. Yet, we also know that many in our community still need help. So, please LIVE UNITED by making a contribution to United Way of Rhode Island's Community Impact Fund today.

Video