EDUCATION
Bridging Education Gaps
Expanding Opportunities Through Education
United Way of San Diego County is deeply committed to education, a central pillar driving our mission over the years. The urgency of our work has never been more apparent, as the educational achievement gaps within our community continue to widen, typically falling along racial and socio-economic lines. To bridge these gaps across the region, we strategically focus on key areas such as early childhood literacy support and career readiness.
52%
of third graders are not meeting English Language Arts standards in San Diego County.
4x
Children are four times more likely to drop out of high school when they are not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.
24%
Growth in STEM-related
fields without qualified candidates to fill them.
Childhood Literacy
Third grade reading proficiency is an essential milestone because basic reading skills are crucial for learning more difficult subjects later in school. Unfortunately, over half of the county's children do not meet third grade reading standards. When children struggle with reading, it impacts their academic achievement, career prospects, and future economic success. Reading is necessary to navigate our day-to-day lives, and not having literacy skills can harm a child's confidence and mental health, affecting their overall well-being throughout their lives.
We refuse to let literacy be the barrier that defines our children's futures. Our mission for United for Literacy is to equip every child with the strong basic reading skills they need to thrive.
Career Readiness
The educational and career needs of students continue to evolve in today's ever-changing world, but many students across San Diego County do not have exposure to careers beyond what their families do for work and what they see in their community.
To help close these gaps, we have created STEAM-to-Careers, an after-school program that introduces students in disinvested communities to lucrative, in-demand STEAM fields. The program offers exposure and guided tracks in specific industries to support high schoolers in their transition to the workforce. Through the program, we are changing the narrative of who has access to career opportunities and economic success.
“Being able to explore career paths that reflect my interests is a huge reason why I joined the STEAM-To-Careers program.”
- Quinton, 11th Grade
Empowering Students in School and Beyond
We dedicate ourselves to empowering children by offering resources and assistance that foster their educational growth, laying a sturdy groundwork as they journey into adulthood. Our educational programs have a profound personal impact, nurturing the potential of each student and shaping their futures. Through ongoing support, we not only contribute to the development of resilient individuals but also to the fortification of a stronger San Diego County community.
4,200+
books were collected and distributed to schools in opportunity zones across the county in 2024.
93%
of the Spring 2024 STEAM-to-Careers student cohort are now interested in pursuing a STEAM-related career.
$106,900
in educational awards have been distributed to students since the start of the program.
Make an Impact Today
Donate today to create a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of San Diegans throughout the county. Whether you choose to make a one-time contribution or become a monthly donor, your generosity drives our mission to close gaps in our community through economic mobility and education initiatives.