If children are the future, their now matters.
United is the Way to Youth Opportunity, working to create a world where all young people can realize their full potential.
Taking a stand in early literacy.
United for Literacy is a comprehensive approach to address the youth literacy crisis in Winnebago County.
We want all kids to soar and develop reading proficiency. So, we work with the people who care for them—from families and neighbors to schools and community agencies—to connect young people with the support they need.
Our BOLD goal:
For 75% of third-grade public school students in Winnebago County to read at grade level or above by 2034.
Since 2023 we have been working diligently towards this goal. By investing in research-based early literacy practices, we know that the children 0-5 that we are serving now will enter school with a better chance of meeting these goals by third grade.
Invest in a strong start for children.
Reading matters. In 2025, 36.75% of third grade students in our county were assessed as reading at a proficient level. Beginning in fourth grade, school curriculum moves away from 'learning to read' to 'reading to learn'. Kids below reading proficiency are on a path linked to negative consequences, such as future High school drop out rates, poverty, unemployment, illness and crime.
With early intervention, we can change this trajectory. We are putting books into kids’ hands, including partnering with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library so children under five can get free books monthly. We're bringing trained staff and volunteers into preschools and elementary schools to read aloud and serve as reading mentors, and supporting community partners invested in early literacy.
20,000+
Children Reached
20
Community Partners
1,900+
Volunteers Hours
150,000+
Books
Distributed
20+
Pediatric Clinics Participating
Results
since 2023 launch.