A student smiling in the refurbished library

Focus Area

Youth Opportunity

Helping young people realize their full potential.

At United Way, we want all kids to soar. So we work with the people who care for them — from families and neighbors, to schools and community agencies — to connect young people with the support they need.

A flag football coach holds a clipboard explaining a play as part of a United Way Worldwide initative to improve youth fitness in China

Youth Opportunity

Promoting Flag Football in China

United Way Worldwide and the National Football League are teaming up to introduce flag football as a safe, accessible, and engaging activity for youth in 10 schools across Shanghai.

Research shows a child’s first few years are critical to developing a strong foundation for success in school, work and life. That’s why United Way has such a strong focus on early learning, wherever kids are being cared for. Helping childcare teachers, caregivers and families get support and training lets them provide that strong foundation. And helping community partners empower themselves improves childcare quality and access.
Child Care & Early Education
Academics and graduation rates improve when kids get extra help outside the classroom. There are physical and social-emotional benefits too. But many families don’t have access to tutoring, afterschool care or summer programs. United Way works with educators, families and partners to close gaps. In one innovative program, fast-track classes equip students with vocational certification while they’re earning their diploma. And community hubs at schools help families access food pantries, job training and other resources.
Reading matters. By fourth grade, kids should be reading to learn rather than learning to read. And if a child isn’t reading well by then, the road ahead is tougher. So we’re bringing volunteers into childcare centers and classrooms to read aloud. We’re getting more books into more kids’ hands, including partnering with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library so children under 5 can get free books monthly. And we’re also mobilizing volunteer reading tutors.
Literacy Development
Young people have to navigate an increasingly competitive college and career landscape, so we provide access to the skills they need to succeed in school and in the workplace. United Ways offer students professional training opportunities in in-demand industries. We collaborate to bring education, training and job placement resources to young adults living in subsidized housing. And, we offer academic and life skill support to high school students, so they can graduate from college or enter the workforce.
College & Career Readiness

Partner Spotlight: Crosstown Learning Center

Crosstown Learning Center's Executive Director standing outside Crosstown Learning

Kristina Ellis leads Crosstown Learning Center, a United Way partner offering nationally accredited, five-star early childhood education. She knows that early child care and development is the foundation of any community.

Two children sitting with a woman in a chair.

For Cassandra, Crosstown Learning Center is a lifeline. Her grandchildren, Sarai and Jackson, are thriving in a space that nurtures their entire family.

A child and adult playing at a table in a classroom

Theresa Noonan volunteers weekly at Crosstown Learning to support her grandson Miles and his friends. She says, "It's a community and it takes a community to raise our kids."

An adult reading to a child in Crosstown Learning Center

The Mihos family has been impressed with the level of care their daughter has received. "We were just blown away by the individual lesson plans the teachers were writing," says Allison Mihos.

Tameca Burkhalter knows Crosstown Learning is unique. For her team, it's the personal connections that create a community.

The Full Story

With over 135,000 hours of care delivered to 90 children each year, Crosstown Learning is transforming futures. Standing behind them is Tulsa Area United Way, which mobilizes resources to give more kids the opportunities they need to thrive.

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