United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties received a grant of $10,000 from Suncoast Credit Union to provide classroom materials for early learning centers participating in the Master Teacher program. This program provides supervision and guidance for early education teachers in classrooms throughout Lake and Sumter Counties to help them enhance their instruction and prepare their students for kindergarten. The grant will allow UWLS to furnish participating classrooms with engaging, age-appropriate educational materials for students.
“A huge thank you to Suncoast Credit Union for providing us with this grant for $10,000!” said Michelle Dean, Director of Educational Programs at UWLS. “If you could see me, you would know that I am dancing with joy at the prospect of providing our early childhood classroom teachers and children with much-needed educational materials!”
The Master Teacher program at UWLS partners with the Early Learning Coalitions of Lake County and the Nature Coast to reach children age 5 and younger. The majority of these children come from families with low-to-moderate incomes.
“This generous grant will directly impact the students in toddler through VPK classrooms,” Michelle continued. To see the joy on the children’s faces is absolutely priceless. These children are able to put their little hands on new learning materials for the first time, and it’s life-changing while also improving their learning. Many of them say its like Christmas. Suncoast Credit Union’s grant will truly put a smile on the faces of the young children that we serve.”
Students who participated in the Master Teacher program last year achieved a 70% increase in receptive and expressive language skills. Suncoast Credit Union’s grant will enable UWLS to spread these results to more classrooms throughout Lake and Sumter Counties this school year.
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About UWLS
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community, because to live better, we must LIVE UNITED! In Lake and Sumter Counties, United Way is also fighting to improve the quality of life for those affected by COVID 19 at this time, whether these are members of the ALICE Population, Veterans, or those who’ve never faced hardship before. During all times, the United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties also focuses on early education through our Master Teacher program and our Veterans and their ability to acquire their benefits through our Mission United program. Our Family Stability Services program provides financial assistance for rent, mortgage, and utilities through a variety of funded options and donors. United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties also provides grants or support funding for nearly 20 partner agencies or non-profits.
About United Way
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 9.8 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately funded nonprofit. We’re engaged in 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national, and local businesses, nonprofits, and government, civic, and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited.
