United Way of Ventura County is partnering with seven middle school AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) programs to improve student performance in math. Schools participating in 2016 are Cesar Chavez, Rio Del Valle, Blackstock, RJ. Frank, Lemonwood, Anacapa and Isbell.

United Way’s annual Stuff the Bus helps to build the self esteem of children from low income families by sending them back to school with a new backpack full of school supplies. In 2017, over 900 backpacks were provided to 25 community based organizations serving low income families.

United Way’s Born Learning initiative is a community engagement campaign to educate parents, grandparents and caregivers on how to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities for children. Interactive Born Learning Trails are located in Ventura, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Nyeland Acres and Thousand Oaks

The United Way’s Young Leaders Society mobilizes volunteers to increase literacy in some of the county’s lowest performing schools through its Books Bonanza and Reading First programs.