On Saturday, August 27, for the eighth annual Graduation Walk, 476 volunteers visited the homes of 1,487 Des Moines middle and high students who were either chronically absent or undercredited. The volunteers provided resources to help students overcome barriers such as lack of transportation, medical issues or learning disabilities. But most important, they encouraged students to care about their education—because central Iowa cares about them and their future.

Flip through the slideshow below for photos and quotes from volunteers about their eye-opening experience.

 

Help United Way of Central Iowa reach our goal of increasing the high school graduation rate to 95 percent.

Topics: Education

Vanessa Sedrel

Written by Vanessa Sedrel

Vanessa Sedrel is the former Community Investments Manager and current volunteer contractor for United Way of Central Iowa.