Education

Investing in Education. Investing in Our Future.

United Way of the Lowcountry is committed to ensuring every child in Beaufort and Jasper counties has access to the resources, support, and encouragement they need to succeed — from "cradle to career," and beyond. By strengthening literacy, expanding access to school supplies, and mobilizing community partners, we help build brighter futures for local students.

Together with volunteers, donors, educators, and community leaders, we are investing in programs that prepare children not just to learn — but to thrive. 

When we strengthen literacy, support families, and engage community leaders in education, we build a stronger future for everyone. Because when children succeed in school, our entire community thrives.

Read Indeed!

Building strong readers. Building strong futures.

Read Indeed! is United Way’s early literacy initiative focused on helping children develop the reading skills that are critical for long-term academic success. Research shows that children who read proficiently by third grade are far more likely to graduate high school and pursue higher education or meaningful careers.

Through Read Indeed!, we:

• Provide books to children and classrooms

• Support volunteer reading mentors and tutors

• Partner with schools to strengthen literacy efforts

• Engage families in building reading habits at home

By surrounding children with books and positive reading experiences, we help spark a lifelong love of learning.

Women United

Women investing in the next generation.

Women United is a powerful network of women leaders dedicated to advancing educational outcomes for children in our community. Through collective giving, volunteerism, and advocacy, Women United supports initiatives that promote early literacy, mentorship, and long-term student achievement.

Members of Women United:

• Pool resources to fund impactful education programs

• Volunteer their time to support literacy initiatives

• Advocate for policies that strengthen educational access

• Inspire other women to lead through philanthropy

By working together, Women United amplifies its impact and helps open doors of opportunity for the next generation.

Summer Book Distribution

Keeping kids learning all summer long.

Summer learning loss can create significant setbacks for students, especially those without access to books and enrichment opportunities. United Way of the Lowcountry’s Summer Book Distribution program ensures children have books in their hands and encouragement to keep reading during the summer months.

Through this initiative, we:

• Distribute free, age-appropriate books to children

• Partner with schools, camps, and community organizations

• Promote family engagement in summer reading

• Help prevent learning loss between school years

Access to books at home makes a measurable difference — helping children return to school ready to learn and succeed.