Our efforts in LEARNING work toward increasing the number of children who begin kindergarten safe, health and able to reach their fullest potential. It is said that knowledge is power.  Giving our children opportunities for learning and character development is critical to ensuring their future and the future of our community. 

Our Learning initiatives are as follows:

Success By 6     

United Way of Northern Arizona has been involved in the Success By 6 initiative (meaning success by age six) since 1999.  Through the Success By 6 initiative, United Way of Northern Arizona strives to create positive, lasting changes in children’s lives.  We do this by mobilizing the community around early childhood issues.  The Alliance for Childrens Early Success (ACES) is a key partnership that was convened, is led and staffed by United Way of Northern Arizona.  ACES consists of multiple organizations throughout greater Flagstaff that are invested in assisting children and works to help them become successful.  With the help of ACES, United Way has leveraged resources such as skills, expertise, knowledge and funds.  Funds obtained include over $700,000 in private, corporate and federal grant monies.    

Some grant-funded programs and activities United Way has implemented through its partnership with ACES include:

·        Developed and distributed 1,000 literacy kits in English, Spanish and Dine’. 

·        Increased quality child care settings by using quality improvement plans and literacy coaches.

·        Educated parents about what to look for when selecting a child care setting through informational calendars distributed county-wide.

·        Annual KinderCamp quality learning experience where Flagstaff youth are provided with opportunities to acquire skills, develop relationships and gain confidence in order to make a successful transition into kindergarten.

·         To address the fact that 47% of Coconino County children experience tooth decay, United Way launched the Northern Arizona Oral Health Coalition through which families receive screening and oral health education.