Education is the foundation for a good life. We focus on the keys to a successful education—a quality early education that leads to school readiness, academic achievement in the classroom, and productive engaged youth. Children who enter school ready to learn are more likely to become productive adults. That’s why we work hard to elevate the quality of early childhood education, and also turn business leaders and policymakers into champions for quality education. Academic achievement is crucial, given that more than half of today’s students won’t graduate from high school. These students are more likely to be unemployed, have poor health, and live in poverty on public assistance, which is why we’re working to reverse that trend with our afterschool tutoring program. Finally, employment keeps youth engaged in constructive, positive behavior. If they have employment skills, they’re more likely to finish school, avoid gangs and become self-sufficient. United Way funds a program to expose high-risk children to workplace environments and match them with mentors.

All children deserve a chance to reach their full potential, and early education can help. Research shows kids who are exposed to imaginative play, socialization and learning from the early years have a greater shot at success in school and life. That’s why places like the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education are so important. The Center, a world-class facility offering the highest standards of early education, is setting the precedent in Miami-Dade and beyond by serving as a model of best practices. Get to know our work.