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—and you see it every day in your school. Many students face tough challenges at home that make learning harder. Despite our 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 Template MiddleHigh, you are on the front lines, seeing firsthand how early reading challenges shape students' experiences every single day. By the time a struggling reader reaches middle and high school, they're years behind and losing hope.

United Way builds on the hard work happening at the elementary level, supporting students 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, earlier—and keep them on track to succeed. With your donation, we can give every child- and every member of our community- the chance to thrive.

You’re not just helping kids read—you’re changing their future. You're investing in students who will arrive to middle and high school—confident, hopeful, and ready to work.

For more information about our campaign, contact:

Lisa Gilliard | United Way Team Captain, Template Elementary School

Jeremy Price | United Way of Pickens County