Did you know that last year, the Manatee County School District identified ten schools as chronically underperforming? Or that 75% of the over 3,400 students at these schools (grades K-3) are not reading on grade level? These schools are located in Manatee’s Central Corridor, three neighborhoods where many ALICE* families are struggling to make ends meet. Neighborhoods where our children need us most. 

But to see REAL change, we need a community United for our children’s future.

That’s why United Way Suncoast, along with local partners, created The Big Plan — an initiative focusing on four key areas of success: school readiness, family engagement, summer learning and attendance. 

Why? So parents and families have the tools to support their child’s learning and development, starting at home, with a goal of ensuring they have the tools they need to read at grade level by the end of third grade.

That’s because 4th graders reading at grade level are FOUR TIMES more likely to graduate high school, have greater career opportunities and the potential to earn 75% more over a lifetime than those who do not graduate.

With your support, United Way Suncoast will continue to fight for the education and financial stability of every person our community. Join the fight and be part of The Big Plan. Contact United Way Suncoast at 941.748.1313.

* ALICE is defined as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, with an income above the Federal Poverty Level but below the basic cost of living.

Visit the United Way Suncoast Website to learn more