Heartland AEA and United Way Share Common Commitment to Improving Educational Outcomes

Central Iowa LIVES UNITED year-round, but United Way is extra special during the fall, when organizations like ours across the community-run campaigns to raise money for the fight—the fight for the health, education and financial stability of all central Iowans. Heartland AEA and United Way are so grateful to you for the courage and compassion you’ve shown in the past toward this fight. 

Heartland AEA and United Way are both committed to improving educational outcomes for students. Take a look at some of the strategies United Way is taking to improve outcomes and consider filling out a pledge card at our All-Staff Meeting on Sept. 27. Note that pledges of at least $50 can be designated toward the county United Way or organization of your choosing. 

SCHOOL READINESS 

• Provide access to preventative health services that foster positive children's physical and mental health development 
• Provide resources and supports to families that strengthen interactions and promote early learning in a home environment 
• Expand access and improve the quality of early care and education environments for at-risk children 
• Improve the quality of training and professional development for early care and education providers 
• Increase availability and utilization of quality pre-school for at-risk children 

EARLY GRADE SUCCESS 

• Provide supportive services for at-risk early grade students and families that promote learning and reduce school absence 
• Provide quality and engaging out-of-school opportunities for elementary students that reinforce and enhance academic & social/emotional learning 
• Promote and coordinate activities that reduce the summer learning loss for elementary school students 
• Develop programs that support positive physical and mental health for elementary school students 

MIDDLE GRADE SUCCESS 

• Promote successful transition into middle school for at-risk children 
• Provide supportive services for at-risk middle school students and families that promote learning and reduce school absence 
• Promote and coordinate activities that reduce summer learning loss for middle school students 
• Provide quality and engaging out-of-school opportunities for middle school students that reinforce and enhance academic & social/emotional learning 
• Develop programs that support positive physical and mental health for middle school students 

HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS 

• Promote successful transition into high school for at-risk children 
• Provide supportive services for at-risk school students and families that promote learning and reduce school absence 
• Provide quality year-round out-of-school time opportunities for high school students 
• Develop programs that support positive physical and mental health for high school students 
• Students will graduate or complete high school with a post-secondary plan in place 

And for 14 years in a row, United Way of Central Iowa has earned the highest rating from Charity Navigator—four stars—putting them in the top 1% of charities nationwide. This rating means we are best in class for sound fiscal management and our commitment to accountability and transparency.