Education – United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region

In our region, graduation rates for students of color and low-income students are lower than their white, financially stable counterparts. Our community goal is to improve high school graduation rates to 83% by 2030 and to reduce racial and economic disparities in graduation rates.

4 out of 10 African-American students drop out each year.

3 out of 10  low-income students drop out each year.

Interventions in early childhood—such as the provision of high-quality childcare, early grade reading supports, and programming to improve social emotional health­—are cost effective ways to impact the educational trajectory and graduation rates of our youth.

Prepare students for kindergarten with home visiting programs and high quality pre-k experiences.

Support students with in-classroom literacy coaching, professional development, and resources to support literacy.

Mentor at-risk and vulnerable students, especially during times of transition.