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.
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
This collaborative initiative helps Greenville County students stay on track to an on-time graduation.
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
This collaborative initiative helps Greenville County students stay on track to an on-time graduation.
United Way strategically invests in 30 organizations working to improve education in Greenville County.
Story
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