Olivia

Olivia took part in the Ready to Read Program at St. Joseph Academy and developed into a focused, independent and well-behaved child, eager to start kindergarten.

“We have been amazed at how much she has advanced in her beginning reading skills,” says Olivia’s mom, Marla.

The Ready to Read Program enhances preschool and kindergarten students’ literacy skills by utilizing large group, small group and family-focused methods to help children succeed academically.

Her exposure to letters, numbers, reading, writing, art, and developing positive relationships with other classmates gives her a huge advantage going into kindergarten.” Marla says.

Plus, children who are ready for kindergarten are more likely to be proficient readers by the end of third grade – a strong predictor of whether or not a child will graduate from high school.

United Way of Greater Milwaukee invests in programs that help nearly 70,000 youth each year, including improving access to early childhood education.