United Way works to end America’s education crisis
Education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. But with more than 1.2 million children dropping out each year, America faces an education crisis. The cost? More than $312 billion in lost wages, taxes and productivity over their lifetimes.These trends are reversible, but only when communities and public, private and nonprofit sectors work together. Marshall County is hard at work, focusing on the impact early childhood programs have on a child's future -- and our community's collective potential.
Our Strategy
We can’t focus on high school alone. High school dropouts are 12 years in the making, usually starting early childhood education behind schedule. United Way's model focuses on supportive communities, effective schools and strong families — strategies and approaches rooted in research. Tackling the education challenge requires re-framing education on a birth to 21 continuum.
The Marshall County Early Childhood Coalition, together with the United Way of Marshall County and Marshall County Community Foundation, led a historic grant process in 2017 that helped bring $239,744.56 into our county. The Marshall County early childhood education grant awardee providers were Argos Little Dragons Preschool, Bremen Preschool, Carey’s Child Care Inc. (Plymouth), Culver Elementary School, Small Wonders Center Location (Plymouth), Triton Elementary School (Bourbon) and Max’s Playhouse (Culver). Marshall County families deserve high quality, affordable childcare.
On My Way Pre-K awards grants to 4 year olds from low-income families so that they may have access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they begin kindergarten. Families who receive a grant may use the grant at any approved On My Way Pre-K program in our area. See if your child is eligible for On-My-Way Pre-K in Marshall County.
How You Can Help
To reach our goal, we need your help. The strategies proven to work are those that connect communities to their schools: parent involvement; literacy volunteers in the classroom; mentors for disadvantaged students; business leaders engaged in early childhood advocacy. Volunteer to help.
SEARCH for help
When you are looking for the information you need to get help in Marshall County, you need to find it right away. By using SEARCH United Way of Marshall County, you’ll easily find the information you’re looking for… when you’re looking for it.
People throughout our community turn to United Way every day for information and support – whether education, health, disaster, or financial-related. We have information that connects people of all ages to the necessary health and human services you need. We’re excited to put this information directly into your hands. SEARCH for help HERE.
If you need our help, we are also always only a phone call away. 574-936-3366.
Indiana’s Build, Learn, Grow scholarship program is providing assistance to pay for a portion of before- or after-school care or early childhood education for qualified families.
Scholarships cover up to 80% of a child’s early care and education, summer learning or before- and after-school care, ensuring families can connect to the care and education children need. Families with at least one adult working in an essential business are encouraged to apply, regardless of their income. The amount of assistance provided will be based on the family’s income.
NOTE: The period for new applications has closed for now.
The following Marshall County programs are participating:
Learn more at Brighter Futures Indiana.
The Marshall County Head Start is now enrolling Preschool students ages 3-5. Learn more HERE.
On My Way Pre-K awards grants to 4 year olds from low-income families so that they may have access to a high-quality pre-K program the year before they begin kindergarten. Families who receive a grant may use the grant at any approved On My Way Pre-K program in our area. See if your child is eligible for On-My-Way Pre-K in Marshall County for the 2023-24 school year!
WNIT will be joining other Michigan public television stations by adding the Michigan Learning Channel (MLC) on channel 34.5. While this is a Michigan program, the programming will be available for Marshall County viewers also.
The Michigan Learning Channel seeks to ensure accessibility to all students, educators and families. The programming schedule is made available to teachers and school administrators to explore possible integration with lesson plans and can be viewed at MichiganLearning.org/schedule. A sample of the viewing schedule is also attached, as are special events and virtual activities for the coming summer.