Access to quality education is vital to child development, lifelong learning and regional economic growth. United Way of Mower County understands that barriers exist in our community that impact one's ability to obtain quality education, so we continually strive to address these issues by ensuring equal opportunities exist for all.

35.4%

of 3rd graders achieve grade-level reading standards

75.5%

of high school students graduate on time

                                                                                                                            SOURCE

Equipping students and parents with the tools to learn and grow is an integral part of United Way of Mower County's education efforts. Through funded partners, UWMC is strengthening education at every age-level.

Examples of Impact in 2023...

634

students participated in enriching after school programs

350+

individuals gained life & social skills through funded programs

success stories.

Hormel Historic Home - Autism Friendly Austin Initiative 

"At our All Access Community Explorations Camp, our campers work toward learning life skills both in the home/school settings and also in the community. On one occasion this summer, our morning group of campers had a day with many unexpected trials.

The day began with the Fire alarm going off unexpectedly. Loud noises and unplanned events are extremely difficult for the ASD population. This morning group included several individuals who have extreme difficulty with sensory issues and change in schedule, frequently causing large scale meltdowns.

Students were assisted by staff and given noise cancelling headphones (to those who needed them). After the alarm subsided, students were told that sometimes unexpected situations occur, but we can have a plan in place as to how we cope (ie. Noise cancelling headphones, plugging ears, taking a sensory break, asking for help, etc..). After this lesson, the fire alarm went off a second time. After both occasions, all students were able to use strategies taught at camps to stay calm.

Next, campers had an outing to the fire department. All campers were excited for this outing. When they arrived, the fire department was called out to an emergency. The camp staff moved to a plan B scenario by taking the students to the park. This was challenging for our campers because it was, yet another, unexpected and unplanned event. The fire department called them back once the emergency was resolved and when campers arrived, they were called out yet again to another emergency. Camp staff then moved to a plan C and took students to the Library. The students were able to, again, maintain calm. Students were finally able to tour the fire department and were able to manage the disappointments that occurred throughout the day by utilizing calming strategies that they have learned over the years at our camps.

​The success of this day is a tribute to the staff members and to our camps teaching real life skills even when unexpected. The skills learned that day and before at our camps prepared our campers for some very challenging moments without any of them experiencing a meltdown. These are life skills that will help carry our students into adulthood."

Serveminnesota - ​Minnesota Reading Corps

"After progress monitoring our first week back after Winter break, I asked each student to share a book they recommended to be read snuggled up w a cup of cocoa. In the fall, we did apples with our favorite fall book picks. The fall was a struggle to get them to name one story they had read. This time, they were full of stories and even struggled to choose just one. For me, knowing they found a story they loved because they now enjoy reading was a huge deal."

​ - Meredith, Neveln Elementary Reading Corps

 "I wanted a more fulfilling job that I looked forward to going to every day. I knew I wanted to work with kids again, so I decided to look for something in the school system. Reading was my favorite subject in elementary school, so I thought Reading Corps service was a perfect fit. I enjoy making a connection with the kids and helping them improve their reading skills. I want to see that green line soar on their graphs!" 

- Mikey, Southgate Elementary Reading Corps ​

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