Literacy lays the foundation for a kid’s lifelong learning, critical thinking and overall academic success. When you’re able to read proficiently early on, you’re more likely to have better grades, higher chances of graduation, advancement in your career and achieve long-term financial security.

In fact, we know that education is linked to other key areas of our lives:
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Children who enter kindergarten ready to learn are at least twice as likely to read proficiently by third grade.
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Students who read on grade level by third grade are five times more likely to earn a high school diploma.
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85% of all juveniles who interface with the juvenile court system read at low or very low levels of literacy.
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Every student who does not complete high school costs our society an estimated $260,000 in lost earnings, taxes and productivity.
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61% of low-income children are growing up in homes without books. (IEA Publishing Literacy Study, 2020)
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Poor children fall behind during the summer by as much as two months of reading achievement, while their middle-income peers make slight gains.
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Students with relatively low literacy achievement tend to have more behavioral and social problems in subsequent grades.
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75% of students who are poor readers in third grade will remain poor readers in high school.
By the way, you can read about all these stats and more in our Rise United 2030 community goals.
Early education experts have identified third grade as an important learning milestone for students and a time when reading proficiency is especially significant. That’s because the ability to read opens the door to a child’s future, whether that takes the form of college, a career, the military or some other path. It provides a chance to become doctors, welders, engineers and social workers and more. They get to dream bigger. It promotes a stronger future.
Reading isn’t just great for children’s development, creativity and vocabulary. It’s the foundation for all other learning. When a student has strong reading skills, they are equipped to learn in other subjects, such as science, math, history and so much more. In fact, an estimated 85% of all curricula is taught by reading.
“Leading up to third grade, children are learning to read, but after that there’s a shift when they are reading to learn,” said Cassie Stewart, Vice President of Education at United Way Quad Cities. “Once children develop strong literacy skills, they are ready to begin learning and succeeding in every subject.”
Reading Proficiency in the Quad Cities
The disruption to learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has left lasting effects on students across the world — including in the Quad Cities, particularly in critical areas like reading. Recent local research highlights that many students are still struggling to catch up, and their reading skills have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. This learning loss is most pronounced among second and third graders, pivotal groups whose reading proficiency is a key indicator of long-term educational success.
Unfortunately, deep disparities in reading proficiency persist, particularly along racial and economic lines.
Percentage of 3rd Grade Students Reading at Grade Level in the Quad Cities
The reality of this learning gap is sobering, and it calls for urgent, sustained action. That’s why we’re intensifying efforts and implementing targeted solutions identified by the United Way Education Council. These strategies are designed to support early learning success, particularly for children from low-income families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
“United Way and other community organizations recognize the importance of early exposure to reading,” says Stewart. “Programs like United Way’s Read United, which pairs a volunteer mentor with a student once a week for 30 minutes, create opportunities for children who may not have regular access to books. This exposure to the joys and possibilities of reading will benefit them for years to come.”
Be a Hero for Early Literacy in the Quad Cities
Research indicates that by the end of third grade, 74% of readers who are behind won’t ever catch up. That’s why it’s essential to provide children with literacy opportunities and exposure as early as possible.
In the coming weeks, United Way Quad Cities will roll out our year-end fundraising campaign focused on empowering children to become confident, capable readers and changemakers. This campaign will provide multiple ways for you to get involved and make a difference, whether through donating, volunteering, or spreading the word.
As part of this movement, we invite you to:
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Give Back: Your donation will enhance out-of-school programs, create reading spaces, provide books, foster family connections, and empower youth through inspiring literature.
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Take Action: Purchase The Adventures of Kids United: The Glass Bridge and share it with a child. Post a photo of the child with the book on social media using #KidsUnited and #UnitedWayQC to inspire others.
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Get Involved: Sign up as a Read United volunteer, where you can mentor a child for 30 minutes each week, helping to foster a love of reading and learning.
Stay tuned for more details as we officially launch this campaign. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, retired, single, married or local business leader, taking action will help close the reading gap and give every child in the Quad Cities the opportunity to succeed.
United is the way to build readers and future leaders!