United for Schools
Strengthening the path to academic success for children by developing parent advocates, strengthening school-community partnerships, and linking essential resources to serve both parents and children.
We believe a quality education is critical to breaking generational cycles of poverty.
We know, however, that families must have stability and safety first before parents can prioritize their child's learning. As Mile High United Way remains on the frontlines of this pandemic, we have seen how families in under-resourced communities have been disproportionally impacted, and how many are struggling to meet their basic needs.
That is why our United for School program has pivoted to focus not only on improving student engagement, but on stabilizing families during this crisis. Through a wraparound approach, we're working with both parents and schools in Metro Denver to ensure kids are ready and able to learn, whether remotely or in the classroom.
The Hard Truth
30-40%
of students in Denver and Adams County were chronically absent during the 2018-2019 school year.1
43%
of households making below $20,000 do not have internet access, reflecting a huge barrier to online schooling.
by 6th grade
chronic absenteeism is a proven early warning signal for students at risk of dropping out of school.2
1. Denver Public Schools (Sept. 2019); Adams 12 Five-Star School District (Sept. 2019)
2. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST, 42(4), 223–235
Our United for Schools program is focused on strengthening the path to academic success for children.
In addition to basic needs assistance, we are strengthening school-community partnerships, developing parent advocates, and bridging the digital divide for low-income families. This comprehensive approach is keeping more students engaged in class, so they can build a foundation for learning and achievement.
When parents are engaged in their children’s education children earn higher grades, attend school more regularly, and graduate from high school at higher rates. 3
3. Strong Families, Strong Schools: Building Community Partnerships for Learning. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, 1994.
How the Program Works
The following program strategies are employed at 7 schools across Adams, Aurora, and Denver County school districts. Our Community Advocates have built relationships with over 200 families, helping parents stabilize so they can better support their child's learning.
Direct Family Assistance
Through our Community Advocates, we are supporting families' basic needs during this time. This includes direct assistance for rent, utilities, food, medical expenses, mental health services, and transportation.
Digital Literacy Training
Our training provides basic skills to parents, with little to no experience with computers and technology, to help them navigate the virtual world and support their child's remote learning. The training includes internet use, online teaching platforms, video conferencing, email use, and more.
Quality Out-of-School Time (OST) Programming
We are developing strong partnerships between OST providers and schools to create quality programming, which has been proven to strengthen literacy skills and bolster social/emotional resiliency for students.
Parent Teacher Leadership Teams
Through family engagement strategies that are both teacher and parent led, we are building the capacity of both educators and families to be strong academic partners.
Computer/Internet Access
We are providing laptop computers as well as online learning subscriptions and internet cost support to enhance remote learning for students and help parents keep their kids engaged in school.
Support academic success for students in our community
Give
When you give to Mile High United Way, your dollars do more. We surround Metro Denver with the programs and resources that address today’s biggest issues and help prevent tomorrow’s.
Volunteer
Join Mile High United Way's volunteer team! As a volunteer for our Read With Me program you can help students build confidence, increase literacy skills, and develop a love for reading.