four african american students receiving backpacks

United Way’s African American Leadership Society invests $100,000 in organizations that help Black students

United Way’s African American Leadership Society is investing $100,000 to help meet the education, financial stability and health needs of Black students in the Quad Cities.

Twelve local groups received the African American Leadership Society Grants, including local Black-led nonprofits as well as organizations that serve African American youth in the Quad Cities.

“Success is always the result of a team effort. And, even the most successful people have benefited from teachers, mentors or the community at large, who’ve helped us get to where we wanted to go in life,” said Ty Lewis, United Way’s Director of Emerging Leaders & African American Leadership Society.

“Unfortunately, resources to succeed aren’t distributed equally to everyone in every neighborhood. The African American Leadership Society Grants are our strategic investments to help meet the needs of Black youth, so they have a better shot at unlocking their full potential and being successful in life.”

Funded programming includes literacy help for kids in kindergarten through third grade, STEM initiatives for elementary school students, and life coaching and skill development for high schoolers in the Quad Cities, among other targeted investments.

Overcoming Opportunity Gaps

The grants focus on overcoming specific gaps that exist and advance United Way’s vision of creating opportunity for every Quad Citian to reach their potential.

“At United Way, we envision a Quad Cities where all students graduate prepared for success at college or in their career, all families achieve financial stability and all our neighbors have access to the health resources they need to live long, healthy lives,” said Rene Gellerman, United Way’s President and CEO.

“Through the help of our generous community of supporters and funded nonprofit partners, we’re working to close the gaps and tackle the persistent underlying issues that effect too many kids and families.”

Funding Local Impact

Organizations receiving African American Leadership Society Grants, collectively totaling $100,000, include:

  • A System Within A System (ASWAS) Inc.
  • Heart of Hope Ministries
  • Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG)
  • Narratives
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
  • Safer Foundation
  • Spring Forward
  • St. Ambrose University
  • STEAM on Wheels
  • Vine Ministry
  • Young Lion’s Roar

The selection of grant recipients was the result of a rigorous process. Each application was considered based on several key factors and approved by the African American Leadership Society Advisory Committee and the United Way Board of Directors based on their ability to deliver results and make a meaningful, lasting difference.

About African American Leadership Society

The African American Leadership Society is a network of motivated advocates, donors and volunteers who are eager to support and enhance educational opportunities for all Quad Cities African American kids.

Hunt, alongside Diane, has been a driving force in regionalism and philanthropic innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of impact

—Rene Gellerman, United Way Quad Cities President & CEO
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