READ to SUCCEED is an integrated initiative to improve early childhood literacy in central Iowa. This important work has long-reaching implications in our community's ability to thrive.
From kindergarten through the end of third grade, students learn to read. After that, they read to learn.
This one factor, the ability to read proficiently at the end of third grade, has long-term implications for individuals and for our community. Students who can’t read at grade level at the end of third grade are 4x more likely to drop out before they graduate.
That’s why United Way of Central Iowa launched READ to SUCCEED, a ground-breaking, community-wide awareness and action campaign to help our kids get the skills they need to succeed as students and beyond.
WHAT WE DO
United Way of Central Iowa and READ to SUCCEED promote literacy and early childhood development to ensure children enter school ready to succeed, and have the skills they need beyond third grade to thrive as students.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
One of the most important things anyone can do to help is read with a child. Read together for 20 minutes every day—whether you are a parent, caregiver, neighbor, or volunteer—whether you are in the grocery store, the waiting room, on your couch, or in a classroom. These can be the most important minutes of a child’s day. See below for ways to get involved.
READ to SUCCEED is part of United Way of Central Iowa's UNITED to THRIVE strategic focus on Education Success, where central Iowa youth are academically successful and have a plan for their future.