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Youth Opportunity

Every young person deserves to succeed. At United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, we empower youth to reach their full potential by breaking down barriers to achievement. We foster a future where every young person can realize their dreams through early childhood education, literacy development, and high-quality K–12 education and enrichment opportunities.

Our Programs

We help by providing early childhood education, literacy development, family engagement, in-school and out-of-school learning, and college and career readiness.

WNY Girls in Sports

Creating access and pathways for girls from underestimated neighborhoods to participate in sports, embrace physical fitness, and gain essential leadership skills.

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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Promoting early childhood literacy in Erie County by providing free books to children from birth to age five.

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Full Service Community Schools

Setting students up for success in school by surrounding kids, families, and school communities with evidence-based support.

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Starting Line: Youth Opportunities Coalition

Bringing partners together to share resources that help kids and families overcome systemic hurdles and hardships in school and at home.

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A Profile of Third-Grade Proficiency in Erie County

Research and Reports

At United Way, we do the research to identify our community’s most critical problems. Learn why students are struggling to read on grade level and what we’re doing to help them.

Third-Grade Proficiency Report