United Way Quad Cities is hosting a three-day marathon of conversations aimed at empowering sixth, seventh and eighth grade students (ages 11-14) to take an active role in shaping their school communities. Modeled after the successful communitywide “Big Table” event, United Way’s Student Voices is taking place across 13 middle schools in Scott and Rock Island counties from Tuesday, Nov. 12, through Thursday, Nov. 14.
The event engages more than 850 students, supported by 150 community volunteers who will serve as table hosts and note-takers. Through guided small-group discussions, students will reflect on their school experiences, discuss what matters most to them and collaborate on actionable ideas for positive change.
The Quad Cities, like much of the nation, is grappling with a chronic absenteeism challenge with 30 percent of middle school students missing 10 percent or more of the school year — equivalent to at least 18 days. This level of absenteeism poses a major obstacle to academic success and graduation, and has contributed to just 70 percent of last year’s ninth graders demonstrating they’re on track to graduate high school on time. This problem often takes root in middle school, establishing a pattern that can have long-term impacts on students’ academic outcomes and future opportunities.
Common contributing factors to absenteeism include transportation challenges, caregiving responsibilities, housing insecurity and limited access to mental health or anti-bullying support.
Student Voices offers a platform for students, schools and the community to work together in addressing these challenges.
“This volunteer-led effort is part of advancing our United Way Rise United 2030 Community goals, specifically improving student success and graduation rates,” said Rene Gellerman, United Way Quad Cities President and CEO. “By bringing students together to discuss the real issues they face in their schools and their lives, we’re fostering a sense of shared accountability and empowering them to become problem solvers within their campuses and communities.”
Gellerman emphasized, “Student Voices is as much about showing up for our students as it is empowering them to show up for themselves.”
The success of this effort relies on strong community partnerships and volunteer support.
“When we keep students engaged throughout their academic careers, they become stronger leaders and role models for their peers,” said Pat Angerer, IHMVCU Business Development Officer. “That’s why IHMVCU, along with Empeople Credit Union, Ascentra Credit Union and The Family Credit Union are supporting United Way and their Student Voices initiative. We’re giving area middle schoolers ownership of their future. United is the way that we create opportunity for all youth in the Quad Cities.”
The initiative also seeks to address broader community goals.
“This week, we’re lifting up student voices to unlock a prosperous community where all can thrive,” said Allison Videtti, Chief Marketing Officer at Empeople Credit Unition. “Listening to students is the first step toward breaking down the barriers they face in school and life. And, with their insights, United Way is paving the way to improve high school graduation rates and strengthen our future workforce for in-demand jobs.”
Among the questions students are reflecting on and discussing:
- What makes your school a great place to learn?
- What can you and your peers do to improve attendance and engagement?
- How can your ideas help make your school the best it can be?
In collaboration with Western Illinois University, a team of approximately 30 WIU students will analyze the input from these discussions, uncovering key themes and valuable student insights. The findings will be shared with the community, including local school districts, in spring 2025 and will guide United Way’s future investments and program recommendations.
Student Voices is a collaborative effort led by United Way QC Education Council and made possible through the generous support of IHMVCU, Empeople Credit Union, Ascentra Credit Union and The Family Credit Union.
