UNITED IS THE WAY WE CREATE LASTING CHANGE

Meet Nicholas

Nicholas came to Camp iRock as a third grader reading below grade level, in desperate need of one-on-one reading support. Just four weeks later, he’d gained 10 MAP points—and when camp ended, he cried… because he didn’t want the learning to stop.

The stakes are high—as a parent, you understand that reality more than most people. Many students face tough challenges at home that make learning harder. Despite our dedicated teachers' best efforts, nearly half of Pickens County’s 3rd graders still struggle with reading. And by 3rd grade, kids who can’t read at grade level are four times more likely to drop out later on.

But there's hope... and it starts with YOU.

Your Gift Helps Your Neighbors Thrive

At Pickens Elementary, faculty and staff work magic every day—helping kids like yours unlock the power of reading. United Way builds on that magic, reaching children before they even enter a classroom, supporting them during the summer months when learning can slip, and addressing the challenges families face that can make school take a backseat.

But this work can’t happen without you.

Your support makes it possible to reach more children in your school community, earlier—and keep them on track to succeed. With your donation, you can give every child at Pickens Elementary the chance to thrive. You're not just supporting your child's school—you're investing in their future and the future of our community.

For more information about our campaign, contact:

Jessica Abercrombie | United Way Team Captain, Pickens Elementary

Jeremy Price | United Way of Pickens County