United Way has continued its strong program offerings in Academic Achievement in alignment with the needs of local students, schools, and school districts. Convening partners in philanthropy, business, and government, as well as United Way’s own credentialed teaching staff, the organization develops and delivers data-driven, innovative educational programs that address a number of community needs with special focus on underserved populations. Impacts include increasing school readiness, mitigating summer and school break learning loss, and achieving measurable improvements in reading level and competency among school-aged children.
For over a decade, United Way of Santa Barbara County has acted as the region’s local affiliate for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a free program for all families with children aged 0-5 to receive a free book delivered to their home each month until the child turns five.
Children Served: 5,000+
The backpacks and school supplies will continue to be distributed throughout the year through the bank’s partnership with United Way and local school districts. Backpacks are available to partnering schools to support families in need and will also be distributed to students participating in the United Learning Center tutoring program, the Bridge the Break program, and other programs offered through United Way as needed.
Children Served: 1,700+
Each year, United Way invites its school district and service agency partners to identify and refer participants to the gift drive program, with families submitting a customized wish list of wants and needs for the holidays. Parents and caregivers share wish lists with United Way’s Community Impact team, which connects each list to volunteers who purchase a selection of gifts based on the child’s interests and needs.
Children Served: 1,100+
“You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children. Inspiring kids to love to read became my mission. In the beginning, my hope was simply to inspire the children in my home county but here we are today with a worldwide program that gives a book a month to well over one million children.”
“United Way has been an amazing partner to provide opportunities for students. The Back-to-School Backpack program is no different. A week before school starts, students are given a backpack full of supplies as they learn their teacher’s name. It brings a sense of excitement and confidence as students return for another school year.”
“City National Bank is honored to partner with United Way. Speaking as a volunteer, in addition to our Montecito team’s hands-on support with Fun in the Sun, it is a great joy to provide young scholars in need with essential supplies for a successful school year.”
“City National Bank is honored to partner with United Way for the past ten years. Speaking as a board member myself, in addition to our Montecito team’s engagement with Fun in the Sun, it is our greatest hope these backpacks will be given to students who need them most. Our goal is to provide young scholars with essential supplies so that they have the tools to advance towards educational success.”
“This cherished tradition brings our team together for a festive gift-wrapping party, complete with holiday sweaters, music, and refreshments. This year, we wrapped over 80 gifts, transforming our boardroom into Santa’s workshop! The event not only brightens the holidays for local children but also strengthens our team’s morale and workplace satisfaction. It is heartwarming how our connections can be positively reinforced through fun and giving back! We’re thankful for United Way’s year-round community efforts, especially during the holiday season, as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to True Community Banking.”
“We are honored to once again support United Way of Santa Barbara County with their gift drive. We know these contributions will add to the holiday joy for Santa Barbara County youth in need.”
320 East Gutierrez St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-8591