Education is a cornerstone for success in school, work and life. It also benefits the whole community: high school graduates have higher earning potential, contribute more to their local economies, are more engaged in their communities, and are more likely to raise kids who also graduate on time.
United Way adopts a comprehensive approach to education that spans all the way from cradle to career. The path to success begins early, and we provide a strong foundation through initiatives such as Born Learning—which has helps caregivers turn everyday moments into fun, educational opportunities for young kids.
Education Impact Areas:
We work with several organizations that are providing a direct impact on education in our service area from newborns to retirees! 2024's organizations included:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters - Shawano Chapter
- Boys and Girls Club of Shawano
- Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin
- Junior Achievement - Wolf River District
- Navarino Nature Center
- Shawano County Literacy Council
Each of these organizations received funding from United Way for a variety of projects that provide meaningful educational experiences to the people they serve. One fun example is that the Navarino Nature Center used their funds to help several scholarships throughout the year so that different classes throughout Shawano County could spend a day at their facilities learning about the environment and how to care for nature!
In addition to these funded organizations, we also support a Born Learning Trail in Shawano at Kuckuk Park which is funded by the Mielke Family Foundation. This short trail features signs along the route in English and Menominee with interactive activities for parents to engage in learning opportunities with their children and help foster family bonds.