United in Closing Educational Gaps

UWSD has focused on Education and Family Stability for many years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw these two areas more intertwined than ever. While children struggled to adapt to at-home learning, parents struggled to meet basic needs such as keeping food on the table and a roof over their heads. These stressful times have impacted parents and families immensely, and we are now seeing the effects on children as they return to school. Teachers are seeing new social and emotional challenges and delays in motor skills such as children not knowing how to stand in a line or use scissors. Unfortunately, the impacts virtual learning has had on our children spans elementary, middle, and high school, and has disproportionately impacted Black and Hispanic students.

A child’s ability to thrive in school often dictates their future educational pursuits and, in turn, economic success in life.

Studies have shown that reading at 3rd grade reading level is a key indicator of a child’s future success, which is why UWSD has invested so much time and resources in addressing childhood literacy. In fact, if this pivotal literacy milestone is missed, a child is 76% more likely to drop out of high school. This literacy gap in San Diego County is pervasive, specifically along racial lines, with 35% of Black and Hispanic third-grade students meeting/exceeding English Language Arts/Literacy expectations, compared to 73% of Asian and 64% of White students. UWSD’s educational initiatives seek to address systemic racial disparities by creating programs that improve educational outcomes for students who are disproportionately affected.

“My son loved reading stories with his volunteer. At first, he was shy, and then he was waiting every day for the reading session.”

— Sarab (parent), Every Student, Every Family

In 2021, 61% of Asian students and 44% of White students in San Diego County met or exceeded eighth grade math expectations, while only 21% of their Black peers and 23% of their Hispanic peers met or exceeded eighth grade math expectations. Unfortunately, this gap only grew during the pandemic. With the shift back to the classroom for in-person learning, we sought to close this gap and ignite excitement for STEAM careers with programming centered around our Community Learning model.

The Community Learning Model

To create long-lasting systemic change, UWSD has implemented a learning and family support model called Community Learning. Through this model, we work to promote economic mobility as a means of supporting the needs of a child. We know education and economic mobility are at the core of providing meaningful and holistic support to our communities. With the help of the community, we can continue inspiring the next generation of students by ensuring that they and their families have the tools and resources needed to thrive, which is at the core of our Every Student, Every Family: Level Up Program.