Did you know that last year, over 53,000 San Diegans received support through United Way of San Diego County (UWSD)? When you give to UWSD, your donation stays right here in our community. Together with local schools, nonprofits, businesses, policymakers, volunteers, and our dedicated San Diego-based staff, we harness the collective strength of our community to tackle disparities in education and economic mobility, addressing not just immediate needs, but the root causes of systemic challenges.

How Your Donation Creates Impact

We believe in long-term, sustainable change. We not only offer our own education and economic mobility programs, but we also partner with local nonprofits, businesses, and policymakers to amplify resources and design strategies that ensure everyone in San Diego County can achieve educational success and financial stability.

Here’s how your support powers our programs:

Education Programs: Building Brighter Futures

Education empowers young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate a rapidly changing world and career landscape. For this reason, UWSD is dedicated to closing educational achievement gaps through early childhood literacy and career readiness programs, creating brighter futures for our San Diego County youth.  

United for Literacy

71% of California’s 4th graders aren’t proficient in reading, according to the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. This alarming statistic threatens kids’ academic success and life prospects, with minority and low-income children being hit the hardest. This is important because literacy levels are closely linked to high school graduation rates and economic success. 

Through our United for Literacy program, UWSD is working towards closing these literacy gaps by ensuring children in our county have the support, resources, and opportunities needed to read proficiently and thrive in school and in life. We provide children ages 3–8 with books, writing tools, multi-lingual support, and literacy-rich experiences at home, school, and in the community.

Building stronger readers requires collaboration among families, schools, communities, businesses, nonprofits, and elected officials. By working together and leveraging proven strategies, we can ensure every child in San Diego County has the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential, creating lasting, positive change across the region.

STEAM-to-Careers & Dream with STEAM

Your donation to United Way of San Diego also helps prepare the next generation for success through UWSD’s STEAM-to-Careers program. Through this program, high school students in historically disinvested communities, such as Escondido and Lincoln Heights, explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Children and young adults cannot be what they cannot see, and it is our job, as a collective community, to provide the mirror for our local students.

This after-school program provides students with real-world experience through hands-on projects, mentorship, and career-readiness training. They develop essential skills like interviewing, resume-building, and creating LinkedIn profiles. Students are offered tracks such as healthcare, creative writing, engineering, and more to learn more in depth about their area of interest and what careers may be available to them. Students in the creative writing track become published authors in a shared book, while those in the healthcare track can earn CPR certification.

With the support of our donors and partners, our vision is to scale STEAM-to-Careers across opportunity zones in San Diego County, equipping even more students with the knowledge, connections, and confidence they need to enter the workforce prepared. 

Dream with STEAM

Our Dream with STEAM summer program takes learning further, offering students the chance to explore diverse industries across the region. Students at partner schools engage in hands-on skill-building activities and connect with experts from local STEAM-based organizations through site visits at businesses such as Eli Lilly, KPBS, Dr.Bronner’s, Taylor Guitars, San Diego Safari Park, Solar Turbines, PCL Construction, and UCSD. This program responds to the growing need for talent in the region and expands access to STEAM jobs for students who may not have exposure to these industries. The program also introduces students to a range of professionals, some of whom share their backgrounds, demonstrating that a pathway to these careers is within their reach. 

Since its inception, UWSD has also awarded over $171,500 in educational awards, removing financial barriers and helping students learn, grow, and dream big. Additionally, it has had 673 participants in the STEAM-to-Careers afterschool program and 156 participants in the Dream with STEAM summer program. 

Students who participate in the program feel accomplished and more prepared for their path after graduation. 

With your donation, you’re helping UWSD empower the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.

Economic Mobility Programs: Building Financial Stability

Financial security is the foundation for building a prosperous future, and United Way of San Diego County is helping families and individuals achieve it.

Through our comprehensive economic mobility programs, we provide residents in under-resourced communities with the financial tools, education, and guidance they need to lay the groundwork for long-term success. From free tax preparation and personalized financial coaching to safe banking services, UWSD creates real, tangible pathways to financial stability.

Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition (EITC)

$34 million. That’s how much San Diegans received in tax refunds thanks to free tax help from United Way of San Diego County and our Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition partners in the 2025 tax season.

For more than 24 years, the UWSD-led San Diego EITC Coalition (made up of over 45 community organizations) has provided free tax preparation services, helping millions of local residents claim the credits they’re eligible for and maximize their refunds.

Through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, UWSD and our partners mobilize volunteers to make this possible. VITA volunteers receive free IRS training, volunteer hours, networking opportunities, and the chance to make a tangible difference in our community. 

In 2025 alone, VITA volunteers prepared 47,581 tax returns, putting $34+ million back into the pockets of San Diego residents and boosting the local economy.

They also saved $8,653,050 million+ in tax preparation fees, an average of $350 per individual or family filing.

Helping families and individuals get money back allows them to cover essentials like groceries, rent or mortgage payments, utilities, transportation, and more. Our EITC Coalition and VITA volunteer program prove the power of community-driven support in helping San Diegans thrive.

SparkPoint 

SparkPoint empowers clients to build economic mobility through a trauma-informed, equity-centered, and family-focused approach. Coaches work 1:1 with clients to identify goals, develop tailored strategies, and foster long-term financial resilience, helping individuals and families achieve their financial milestones. SparkPoint also hosts Money Management Workshops across San Diego County, offering expert-led financial education on topics such as budgeting, credit, and debt management while connecting participants to valuable community resources.

SparkPoint’s financial coaching provides budgeting help, goal-setting, and connections to career and housing resources to help people reach goals such as creating and sticking to a budget, purchasing a car, saving for the first month’s rent and security deposit, paying down credit card debt, and advancing their careers. The program is founded on the notion that individuals are the experts of their own lives and what kind of support they need to succeed. Coaches meet people wherever they are on their financial journey and help them map out real steps forward.

Since its launch, the SparkPoint program has provided one-on-one financial coaching to 67 clients and hosted workshops that have reached 175 individuals. Impressively, 76% of clients have achieved at least a 30% improvement in key financial areas, including income, savings, credit score, or debt. By providing financial education, we help ensure the next generation has the knowledge and tools to achieve financial stability and break cycles of generational insecurity.

San Diego Bank On Coalition

Did you know the lifetime cost of living without a bank account can reach $40,000? Many San Diegans without traditional bank accounts turn to payday lenders and check-cashing services, often paying high fees and interest that make financial challenges even harder. 

United Way of San Diego County is tackling this issue through the San Diego Bank On Coalition, connecting communities to low-cost banking, practical financial education, and outreach programs that help people take control of their money and build a more secure financial future.

Flexible, Rapid Response in Times of Need

United Way of San Diego County can quickly shift resources to meet emerging community needs, providing support where it’s needed most. Unlike many small charities, we have the partnerships and capacity to support our community through unexpected events, such as disasters or economic challenges. 

For example, during the January 2024 floods in San Diego County, UWSD activated emergency funds to support over 100 children and families. Through a 10-week hands-on science and literacy program in partnership with UCSD CREATE and Words Alive, and a flood-relief pop-up event providing books and school supplies, 63 students in kindergarten through fifth grade received critical educational support during a time of crisis.

We’re a Hub for Community Impact

United Way of San Diego County serves as a central partner for a wide range of community organizations, including nonprofits, schools, and government agencies, helping them coordinate efforts, reduce duplication, and launch initiatives in underserved areas. By pooling donations, grants, and partnerships, UWSD ensures your support reaches more people in our community than most single charities can on their own. 

We back multiple programs spanning education, financial stability, and literacy, allocating resources where they’re needed most. By supporting many nonprofits and initiatives at once, UWSD can provide shared resources, streamline services, maximize efficiency, and track impact– capabilities that smaller organizations often struggle to achieve on their own.

Creating Philanthropic Pathways for Local Businesses

United Way of San Diego County empowers local businesses to make a real impact through our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. We offer flexible giving opportunities tailored to each team to provide year-round engagement.

Your Donation in Action

Every dollar you give stays in San Diego County, strengthens our network of community organizations, and empowers kids, families, and neighbors to thrive. From building literacy and career skills to creating financial security, your gift fuels change that lasts for generations.

Join us. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable San Diego County. 

DONATE TODAY

The post The Real Impact of Donating to United Way of San Diego County appeared first on United Way of San Diego County.

For families, the return to school is a great time to introduce a new reading routine. It can instill an interest in reading from an early age and promote social and emotional learning.

Children with strong literacy skills experience compounding benefits such as:

• increased vocabulary
• improved reading comprehension
• expanded creativity, imagination, and interests
• improved confidence and mental health
• enhanced critical thinking abilities

By incorporating reading time into a child’s daily routine, families can help reduce screen time and build on educational concepts introduced in the classroom. Here are six simple and effective ways you can encourage reading and support your child’s continued learning all year long.

Cultivate Reading Routines & Interests

Setting aside specific times – such as morning time, after school, or before bedtime – can make reading a consistent and enjoyable part of your child’s routine. Choosing books that match your child’s interests or align with what they’re studying in school can enhance their reading experience and make it more meaningful. For example, a child who enjoys action stories, animation, or comics might be captivated by a graphic novel. By using these strategies, you can help foster both their social and academic growth by linking learning at home with their favorite subjects in school.

Create a Literacy-Friendly Environment at Home

Creating a literacy-friendly environment at home is another powerful way to foster a love for reading. Caregivers can make reading enjoyable and appealing by setting up a cozy reading nook, building a reading fort, or designating a study area filled with a variety of reading materials, such as books, magazines, and educational games. This doesn’t need to be costly! Visiting Little Free Libraries, local used bookstores, or borrowing from public libraries can provide your child with a steady supply of new reading materials. Adding personal touches with your child’s favorite colors and themes makes the space even more inviting and motivational. A dedicated reading area not only encourages regular reading but also reinforces its importance as a cherished activity in your home.

Make Reading Interactive by Bringing Stories to Life

Additionally, encouraging your child to write their own stories or create book reviews to share
with family can make reading a more interactive and creative process. Pairing this with discussions about the books they’ve read helps improve comprehension and critical thinking skills. Talk about the story, characters, and plot themes with your child to deepen their engagement and understanding, transforming a solitary activity into a shared experience.

Participate in Community Events

Community involvement further enhances a child’s literacy journey. Participating in local literacy activities, such as author readings or library events, allows children to explore new books and connect with peers who share similar interests. Encouraging children to read in real-world contexts, like identifying words at the grocery store or on street signs, makes learning interactive and demonstrates the relevance of literacy in everyday life. These activities help make reading a social and dynamic part of a child’s experience, reinforcing the value of literacy beyond the classroom.

Establish Goals and Rewards

Another great way to keep your child motivated is by setting reading goals and offering rewards for achieving them. Establishing realistic targets, like finishing a certain number of books each month and celebrating each milestone, can make reading both enjoyable and rewarding. Rewards can be easy, free, and creative!

Some non-monetary rewards you can give to children are:

• Extra playtime: Allowing additional time for their favorite activity or game.
• Special privileges: Offering a chance to choose the family movie, pick dinner, or stay up a little later.
• Certificates or badges: Creating personalized certificates or badges for achievements, like “Super Reader”.
• Praise and recognition: Highlighting their accomplishment in front of family or peers.
• One-on-one time: Spending extra quality time together, like going for a walk, playing a game, or having a special chat.
• Leadership opportunities: Giving them the responsibility to lead an activity or help plan a family event.
• Access to a favorite activity: Providing more time with a favorite toy, book, or hobby.

Ask your child to help come up with rewards that they may enjoy and customize them to fit your lifestyle and budget.

Become a Reading Role Model

Most importantly, families can inspire their children by modeling the behavior—grab a book yourself to show that reading is a fun and engaging activity. For those less comfortable with reading, engage with graphic-rich magazines and novels in your preferred language so your child sees you with reading materials. Creating a literacy-rich environment can come in many forms – so explore what works best for you and your family!

As your child heads back to school this fall, consider these strategies to strengthen literacy skills outside the classroom. By weaving new reading habits into your child’s routine, you can ignite a love for reading and witness their progress soar. These simple adjustments can significantly enhance their social, emotional, and cognitive development while also creating meaningful moments for your family to connect. Now is the perfect time to support your child’s continued learning and educational growth!

The post Beyond Back-To-School: Strategies to Help Families Build Literacy-Rich Environments All Year Round appeared first on United Way of San Diego County.