Graduation Rates Increase with Support of After-School Programs

Polk County's graduation numbers showed increases in the most recently released statistics. While this is great news, there is still a lot of work to be done to help children succeed in school, and that's where after school programs come into play.

United Way works to increase academic success through grants to after school programs that require youth to get better grades. Many families are working two or more jobs, and use the help of after school programs to make sure their children are keeping up with their schoolwork. United Way partners help parents with a watchful adult eye by checking report cards and monitoring homework time. Homework rooms, tutoring help, and calls home to mom and dad contribute to improving grades. This is especially important for younger children because students who succeed in their early education are more likely to continue that success through to graduation.

United Way partners measure the success of their after school programs through a data system called DIME. Data Integrated, Management & Evaluation compares the success of students benefitting from after school programs to similar students who don't have access to United Way programs. Every year, the United Way evaluates those statistics during its grant process. Funding is then granted to programs that show measurable results in their efforts to change the life of a child for the better.

Better education leads to better chances of gaining meaningful, sustainable employment. We're working hard to make sure the children in our community have the tools they need to succeed, not just in school, but in life.