Education
Helping Children & Youth Achieve Their Potential
Education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. However, last year, 215 students (11.6%) in Chippewa and Eau Claire Counties did not complete high school. The cost? More than $68.8 million in lost wages, taxes and productivity over their lifetimes. These trends are reversible, but only when public, private and nonprofit sectors work together.
High school drop-outs are many years in the making, and the problems start early. Research shows that:
- Learning begins at birth, and the first five years are critical for developing positive behaviors.
- Quality early learning experiences promote optimal child development.
- Children entering kindergarten with the cognitive, social and emotional skills necessary for success, are more likely to graduate high school.
This is why United Way of the Chippewa Valley is focusing on “entering school ready to learn.”
Children learn best in loving, nurturing relationships and through everyday experiences. These essential connections hard-wire the brain for future learning, especially in the early years. Whether children are at home, with relatives or friends, or in childcare, the quality of early experiences is key to later school success.
High school drop-outs are many years in the making, and the problems start early. Research shows that:United Way works with its Education Advisory Council (a group of community leaders and education experts), to establish priorities, develop a Community Action Plan, and evaluate results. To help implement the plan, United Way works with its Program Partners, to provide needed services and coordinate efforts throughout the Chippewa Valley.
