EDUCATION: Closing the Preparation Gap
Southeast Michigan lacks a coordinated strategy and the necessary resources to ensure the region reaches its goal that all children enter and graduate school with the proper educational and social tools to succeed.
Why it matters
Less than 50% of children enter kindergarten prepared to learn. When the quality of a child's early educational experience is key to success later in life, this shortfall has long-term effects including, eventually, dropping out of high school. And, with almost 90% of the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs requiring some postsecondary education, having a high school diploma and the skills to succeed in college and the workplace are essential.
Unless more people enter and complete school prepared to succeed, Southeastern Michigan will be unable to compete in the global economy.
What we're doing
United Way is addressing the deep need in our region by focusing our Education work on two distinct, but equally important, aspects of education:
- High School Turnaround Initiative: In the last year, we have shown that traditionally low-performing schools can be transformed into smaller, nurturing, high-performing schools. We must expand and sustain that work. Click here to learn more about our High School Turnaround Initiative.
- Early Childhood Education: At the same time, we must double our efforts to create nurturing, literacy-rich environments for all children in the first few years of life. The foundation for successful adulthood is built by kindergarten. Click here to learn more about our work in Early Childhood Education.