GROW STRONG
Our goal: Increase the number of low-income youth with 21st Century skills by 25%
Did you know? 1 out of 3 low-income youth in east central Iowa are not proficient in reading. Reading, writing, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and technical skills are noted as being lacking in applicant pools (Skills 2010 Technology Corridor Report).
When youth are engaged in quality out-of-school time programming, they are able to develop the interpersonal, academic, and leadership skills that prepare them for college, work and life. The Ready by 21 Stakeholders Coalition, led by United Way and comprised of community leaders, is identifying gaps in programming for area youth to ensure that youth are ready for college, work, and life.
We invest in programs, affecting over 10,000 youth, that:
- Help youth sustain caring relationships with others and cope with adverse situations
- Assist youth in using critical thinking, creative, problem solving and expressive skills
- Improve academic achievement
