Youth Opportunity

United Way sponsored the first SSEP NASA competition in Region 5

Helping young people realize their full potential

United Way Southwest Louisiana understands that education is a cornerstone for community development and individual empowerment. By focusing on creating pathways to better education, they recognize that equipping individuals with knowledge and skills is pivotal for fostering personal growth, economic stability, and overall community resilience. Education opens doors to opportunities, enabling people to improve their living conditions and contribute meaningfully to society. This commitment to enhancing educational access and quality underpins United Way's mission to mobilize communities into action so that everyone can thrive regardless of their background or life experiences. Through their comprehensive approach, they are addressing more than just immediate needs. Still, they are also investing in the long-term prosperity of Southwest Louisiana, ensuring that the foundations for a brighter future are laid for everyone.

OUR GOAL

United Way of Southwest Louisiana's goal is a 92% graduation rate.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SUCCESS

OUR FOCUS

Children enter school ready and are successful in primary school.

OUR PRIORITY AREAS

  • Early Childhood
  • School Readiness
  • Early Grade Reading Proficiency

YOUTH SUCCESS

OUR FOCUS

Youth graduate secondary school and have the knowledge, skills and credentials to obtain family sustaining employment.

OUR PRIORITY AREAS

  • Middle School Transition
  • High School Success

OUR EDUCATION PARTNERS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

Early Childhood: Academic Achievement

School Readiness: Summer Learning

School Readiness: Structured Enrichment

OUR EDUCATION PARTNERS FOR YOUTH SUCCESS

Middle School Transition: Youth Development

High School Success: Young Adult Development

SWLA YOUTH FOUNDATION
Unfiltered Facts

OUR EDUCATION INITIATIVES

United Way of Southwest Louisiana has the ability to initiate projects independently in each of our four focus areas. These Initiatives address important community needs not already being met that we have identified as critical needs. They can be used to address emergency needs during times of natural disasters or critical community needs not being met.

Fourth-graders who scored below proficient reading level by geographic location in the United States