Early Education Success

LITERACY IS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT.

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.

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75% of Wilmington's Third Graders Read Below Grade-Level

In 2019, the Delaware Department of Education reported that state test scores showed 75% of Wilmington’s 3rd graders were not reading on grade level.

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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.

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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 (NJ)

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.

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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. 

Erin Brenner - Director, Outcomes & Impact @ United Way of Delaware
Erin Brenner

Senior Director, Student Success

Ebony Brown - Sr. Director, Student Success @ United Way of Delaware
Ebony Brown

Senior Director, Student Success

Amber Battle-Winston, Ed.D. - Sr. Director, Student Success @ United Way of Delaware
Amber Battle-Winston, Ed.D.

Senior Director, Student Success

Regina Sideny-Brown - UWDE
Regina Sidney-Brown

Director, Delaware Afterschool Network

Ken Livingston - Director, Get Delaware Reading @ United Way of Delaware
Ken Livingston

Director, Get Delaware Reading

Angie Cright - Coordinator, Community Outreach @ United Way of Delaware
Angie Cright

Coordinator, Community Outreach

Meet the team

Erin Brenner - Director, Outcomes & Impact @ United Way of Delaware
Erin Brenner

Senior Director, Student Success

Ebony Brown - Sr. Director, Student Success @ United Way of Delaware
Ebony Brown

Senior Director, Student Success

Amber Battle-Winston, Ed.D. - Sr. Director, Student Success @ United Way of Delaware
Amber Battle-Winston

Senior Director, Student Success

Regina Sideny-Brown - UWDE
Regina Sidney-Brown

Director, Delaware Afterschool Network

Ken Livingston - Director, Get Delaware Reading @ United Way of Delaware
Ken Livingston

Director, Get Delaware Reading

Angie Cright - Coordinator, Community Outreach @ United Way of Delaware
Angie Cright

Coordinator, Community Outreach

HELP OUR STUDENTS BECOME EXCELLENT READERS.

We need you.

GIVE, ADVOCATE, or VOLUNTEER today to do your part.

Every dollar raised before Dec. 31st goes directly to Delaware 211, our free helpline that connects Delawareans to critical resources like food, housing, healthcare, and more.