United Way of Passaic County believes that education is one of the building blocks of a good life. Education is essential for getting and keeping a good job, which in turn leads to financial stability for adults and families.
Tomorrow begins with the opportunities we give children today.
United Way of Passaic County is working at critical points along the school spectrum to ensure the academic success of youth. Communities are engaging to support youth by volunteering and championing the cause of education. This mobilization of resources is creating hope and opportunity for youth who are now better prepared to succeed.
In Passaic County:
- In some school districts only 14% of students are reading at a 3rd grade reading level.
- Only 80% of residents (ages 25+) have a high school diploma.
- An average of 75% of students in Paterson graduate from high school.
- One in five Passaic County residents has not graduated from high school.
- 51% of the population is struggling to make ends meet (Learn more about the ALICE Population HERE)
Education is a cornerstone of individual and community success. Those with a college education or higher typically have lower rates of unemployment and earn more money than those with a high school diploma. With the 21st century global economy demanding highly skilled workers, United Way of Passaic County's work in education could not be more urgent.
Our goal is to work in partnership with our community to increase high school graduation rates and help students achieve a 3rd grade level of literacy. We use strategies and approaches rooted in research.
United is the way we make a real difference for youth opportunity in our community. We:
- Provide free books and literacy kits to students in grades K-3
- Joined the Paterson Reads Coalition, now called our Reading Buddies, adding United Way of Passaic County's resources to this effort to increase the number of Paterson students reading at grade level by third grade.
- Offer scholarships, such as the Pavese Scholarship in memory of Vincent D. Pavese, who served as President and Chief Professional Officer of UWPC until his death in 1993.
Every June we award exceptional Passaic County high school seniors with scholarships via the Vincent D. Pavese Scholarship. The application can be found on our site end of March.
Every June we award exceptional Passaic County high school seniors with scholarships via the Vincent D. Pavese Scholarship. The application can be found on our site end of March.
United Way of Passaic County, in partnership with dozens of Passaic County organizations, businesses and individuals hosts Backpacks 4 Kids! every year.
As Passaic County’s largest school supply drive (with thousands of backpacks given away each year), this initiative helps thousands of children in need head back to school with the tools they need to succeed—free backpacks filled with essential supplies. It's more than just giving, it’s about unlocking potential, building confidence, and driving academic success from day one.