United Way of Passaic County believes that education is one of the building blocks of a good life. Education is essential for getting and keeping a good job, which in turn leads to financial stability for adults and families.
Imagine a world that fosters hope and opportunity for everyone. A world where all children receive a quality education that offers a pathway to a greater tomorrow.
United Way of Passaic County is working at critical points along the school spectrum to ensure the academic success of youth. Communities are engaging to support youth by volunteering and championing the cause of education. This mobilization of resources is creating hope and opportunity for youth who are now better prepared to succeed.
In Passaic County:
- Only 80% of residents (ages 25+) have a high school diploma.
- An average of 75% of students in Paterson graduate from high school.
- Our goal is to work in partnership with our community to increase high school graduation rates in our communities.
- In some school districts only 14% of students are reading at a 3rd grade reading level.
Learn About the Issue
Education is a cornerstone of individual and community success. Those with a college education or higher typically have lower rates of unemployment and earn more money than those with a high school diploma. With the 21st century global economy demanding highly skilled workers, United Way of Passaic County's work in education could not be more urgent. One in five Passaic County residents has not graduated from high school.
United Way's approach focuses on community resources and strong families in support of education - strategies and approaches rooted in research.
Together With Our Partners, United Way of Passaic County
- Provides free books and literacy kits to students in grades K-3
- Joined the Paterson Reads Coalition, now called our Reading Buddies, adding United Way of Passaic County's resources to this effort to increase the number of Paterson students reading at grade level by third grade.
- Offers the Pavese Scholarship in memory of Vincent D. Pavese, who served as President and Chief Professional Officer of UWPC until his death in 1993. Each year the Pavese family reviews applications and selects students who demonstrate a commitment to Mr. Pavese's values of education and community service.
Scholarship Awards
Every June we award exceptional Passaic County high school seniors with scholarships via the Vincent D. Pavese Scholarship. The application can be found on our site beginning end of March.
Reading Buddies Program
We offer direct literacy support to students in grades K-3 by providing trained volunteer tutors that support teachers throughout the school day. The program runs the length of the school year and has an 80% efficacy rate in seeing students improve in their literacy skills.