Education

At United Way of Greenville County, we believe everyone deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential — because the right support, resources and experiences can change the direction of a child’s life forever.

Whether it’s a young child’s readiness to start kindergarten or an older student’s ability to stay on track to graduation through attendance, behavior and course performance, so much of what happens outside of school impacts the educational achievement of all students. That’s why we approach education from the lens of our Economic Mobility Model, understanding how each of our three interconnected impact areas are imperative to success.

The Hard Facts

Although education is the most robust predictor of financial stability, 12% of adults (25+) in Greenville County do not have a high school diploma, and only 35% hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Even more troubling is the race gap in educational attainment: In Greenville County, only 17% of Blacks and 14% of Hispanics hold college degrees, compared to 39% of whites.

By the time students in Greenville County schools reach eighth grade, more than half are failing to meet the state standards for math and English — a key predictor of graduation rates. The numbers are even more dramatic for students in our highest need schools, where the effects of poverty make it difficult to stay on track to graduation.

Not earning a degree has long-term effects not only on a student’s life, but on our entire community. The average salary for adults who drop out of school ranges between $20,000 and $25,000, compared to $38,150 for high school graduates and $67,760 for graduates with a four-year degree. Only those with a college degree would earn enough to meet basic needs for a family of one adult and one child according to the S.C. Self-Sufficiency Standard in Greenville County.

community impact

How We Change it

Your support of United Way of Greenville County is an investment in programs and initiatives that create brighter futures by ensuring students start school equipped to succeed, graduate from high school ready for post-secondary education or entry into the workforce, and become financially stable adults. This includes strategic investments in 30 proven partners providing tutoring, mentoring, social-emotional learning, afterschool programs and more, as well as our innovative collaborative program OnTrack Greenville.

OnTrack Greenville

This collaborative initiative helps Greenville County students stay on track to an on-time graduation.

Learn More

Our Education Non-Profit Partners

United Way strategically invests in 32 non-profit organizations working to improve education in Greenville County.

A Child’s Haven
Alianza Hispana/Hispanic Alliance
BellXcel
Bridges to a Brighter Future at Furman University
City of Greenville Parks & Recreation
Communities in Schools of Greenville
The Family Effect
Fostering Great Ideas
Friends of Momentum Bike Clubs
Fountain Inn Kid Enrichment Center
Greenville Chamber Foundation LaunchGVL
Greenville County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism
Greenville County Schools Career and Technology Education and Lifelong Learning
Greenville County First Steps
Greenville Tech Foundation African American Male Scholars Initiative

Julie Valentine Center
Little Steps
Mill Community Ministries
Mosaic Educational and Arts Program
Neighborhood Focus
Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative
Pendleton Place
Pleasant Valley Connection
Pride Link
Public Education Partners
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School
Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources (SHARE)
The Phillis Wheatley Association
Upstate Warrior Solution
Urban League of the Upstate
YMCA of Greenville
YouthBASE

How We Change It

Your support of United Way of Greenville County is an investment in programs and initiatives that create brighter futures by ensuring students start school equipped to succeed, graduate from high school ready for post-secondary education or entry into the workforce, and become financially stable adults. This includes strategic investments in 30 proven partners providing tutoring, mentoring, social-emotional learning, afterschool programs and more, as well as our innovative collaborative program OnTrack Greenville.

ONTrack Greenville

This collaborative initiative helps Greenville County students stay on track to an on-time graduation.

Learn More

Our Education Partners

United Way strategically invests in 30 organizations working to improve education in Greenville County.

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Brighter Futures
For Greenville Teens

United Way’s partnership with youth programs like Neighborhood Focus and Momentum Bike Club is creating bright futures for Greenville County teens, including one special student at Berea High School.

You Make the Difference

Make an investment in United Way’s Education impact area, or sign up to volunteer for one of our many special projects throughout the year. You could be the mentor a student needs to see their potential, or provide the funding needed to help a successful program reach even more students. The road to equity in education starts with you.

Give

No amount is too small to make an impact. Your contribution goes a long way in improving lives in our community.

Advocate

Your story is our story. That’s why we advocate for public policy positions that support the growth of the whole family.

Volunteer

Your time is our privilege. Explore safe, impactful ways you can volunteer with United Way. 

Making a difference starts here

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Making a Difference Starts Here

Thank you for joining us to build a stronger, more equitable Greenville County for all. Please complete the form below to stay connected with us. 

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