United for Literacy

Championing Early Childhood Literacy

United for Literacy

In San Diego County, the need for literacy programs and support has never been more pressing. Studies show a concerning decline in early literacy scores post-COVID, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

Shockingly, 52% of third graders in San Diego County are not meeting English Language Arts standards, a statistic worsened by persistent inequities, disproportionately affecting children aged 3-8 from disinvested communities. Without intervention, our children risk falling further behind, hindering their futures.

United Way of San Diego County refuses to let the narrative of struggling readers define our children's futures. That's why we launched our United for Literacy initiative, which aims to equip every child with the literacy skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Why Literacy Matters

Beyond the ability to decode words, reading fosters critical thinking, empathy, and intelligence.

Access to books not only enriches minds but also improves long-term physical and mental health.

Literacy levels are closely linked to higher high school graduation rates and economic success.

Changing the Narrative for Our Students

The goal of United for Literacy is to increase reading outcomes for children from 3-8 years old by increasing access to literacy-rich environments such as classrooms, homes, and community spaces that actively support developing reading and writing skills. We work to enhance academic performance and foster a love of reading through the exposure of language-rich activities, books and other print materials, writing tools, and multi-lingual supports.

Uniting Community Partners to Build Strong Readers

We believe that building stronger readers takes a collective effort of families, schools, communities, and nonprofit partners to provide support and resources necessary for success. By listening to the needs of our communities and working collaboratively, we can ensure that every child can reach their full potential.

Our Vision

We envision a San Diego County where every child has access to high-quality early literacy support and the opportunity to develop strong reading skills. With the help of community members and partners, we can turn this vision into a reality, empowering our children to succeed.

Thank You to Our Partners

We invite subject matter experts, government agencies, schools/school districts, institutional funders, and community-based organizations to partner with us. Join us in championing early childhood literacy and ensuring a brighter future for all. 

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.