early student achievement
Check out the GET DELAWARE READING summer campaign
EARLY STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Check out the GET DELAWARE READING summer campaign
LITERACY IS A GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITY
Knowing how to read is something most of us take for granted. But the truth is, many children in Delaware and Salem County (NJ) don’t read well. And as they get older, this can cause them to disconnect from learning altogether. At UWDE, our goal is to ensure every child reads on grade level by the end of 3rd grade. That way all students have opportunities to succeed, no matter who they are or where they live.
60% of Delaware’s Third Graders Read Below Grade-Level
In 2024, the Delaware Department of Education reported that state test scores showed 60% of Delaware’s 3rd graders were not reading on grade level.
Struggling Readers Are Four Times More Likely to Drop Out of School
Students who are not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. If they are living in poverty, they are 13 times more likely to drop out.
Lower Earning Potential. More Trouble With the Law.
Compared to graduates, teens who don’t graduate from high school earn on average $500,000 less over their lifetime than those that stay in school. They are also more likely to get into trouble with the law.
UNITED FOR LITERACY IN DELAWARE & SALEM cOUNTY
Education, particularly education before age 5, is critical to our long-term success. Alongside our partners, United Way of Delaware works to give young readers in Delaware and Salem County (NJ) resources so they get the best start possible. Every child deserves that chance. Every child deserves to love reading. Join us as we fight for our children’s future.
The combined efforts of community organizations, government agencies, and businesses to ensure more children in Delaware’s low-income neighborhoods do well in school and graduate prepared for future success.
Made possible by partnerships between Scholastic®, DuPont, Global Shapers, and the University of Chicago, MVOL provides free, brand-new books to students so they can build a personal home library.
Foster a love for reading by submitted a virtual reading session. All sessions are recorded and shared digitally so they can be watched anytime, anywhere by our children.
A child’s early years are vital. The Help Me Grow program assists families in promoting healthy child development during their early years.
meet the team
Our team is on a mission to help children, teens, and adults develop a life-long love for reading. If you have questions or would like to learn how you can help, please contact us today.
Amber Battle-Winston, Ed.D.
Associate VP, Community Impact
Ken Livingston
Senior Director, Student Success
Regina Sidney-Brown
Director, Delaware Afterschool Network
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