United Way of West Central Mississippi works to improve the graduation rate in our communities by collaborating with our partner agencies and other community organizations to provide kindergarten readiness programs, early literacy programs, character building programs at the elementary school level, teen mentoring programs, intensive speech/language/hearing programs, after-school tutorial programs, early intervention programs, and educational summer camps. To compliment these efforts, we also fund programs to support development/employment related training to the handicapped population and programs that strengthen parenting skills.
Our education goal is to support our community's future by helping students reach their full potential by addressing these target issues:
- Kindergarten Readiness
- Grade Appropriate Reading Levels
United Way of West Central Mississippi proudly leads the way for our Excel by 5 Coalition and Campaign for Grade Level Reading.
To download the monthly Excel by 5 Kindergarten Readiness calendar, click here.
Our Funded Programs at Partner Agencies
Central Mississippi Prevention Center
Summer Leadership Camp – provides academic, life skills and therapeutic recreational activities for students in the summer.
The Exchange Club of Vicksburg Child and Parent Center, Inc. (CAP Center)
Mentoring Program – One on one mentoring for students grades K-8, and group mentoring for 14-17
Parent Aide/ Parent Education Program – improves the lives of children by providing supportive services to area families through focusing on prevention of child abuse and neglect, and teaches parenting skills through a national curriculum.
Good Shepherd
Daycare – care for children six weeks through five years old provided through a hands-on curriculum. This is for low-income families.
Windows to God/ Smart Start Program - Provides individuals access to Hinds Community College's Workforce Readiness training while providing childcare.
Social Graces - Helping young people navigate social media etiquette.
Magnolia Speech School
School – auditory oral program for children with severe communication challenges.
Vicksburg Family Development
Early Intervention – serves parents through prenatal and home visits for the first four years to make sure babies have a healthy start in life.
Youth Enrichment – serves at-risk youth through the male image and girls club targeting students from ages 10-17 years of age. The program promotes the prevention of teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, and school failure.