📘 Success by Third Grade
Helping Children Build Strong Reading Skills by Age 8 💙
🌟 What Is Success by Third Grade?
Success by Third Grade is a community program led by United Way of Central Ohio that supports children and families so kids can read at grade level by the end of third grade.
We know children succeed best when their learning needs AND basic needs are supported. That’s why this program brings together schools, families, and community partners to help children thrive—inside and outside the classroom.
📚 Why Third Grade Matters
From kindergarten through third grade, children are learning how to read.
After third grade, children are expected to read to learn.
When children fall behind in reading early, it can affect:
- 📖 School success
- 🎓 Confidence and graduation
- 💼 Future opportunities
Strong reading skills by third grade help set children up for lifelong success.
🧠 Learning Happens Beyond the Classroom
Children learn best when they have:
- 🍎 Enough food
- 🏠 A safe, stable home
- 🩺 Access to health care
- 🎒 School supplies and learning tools
- 🤝 Support from caring adults
Success by Third Grade helps families connect with local resources that remove barriers to learning.
🧭 How Families Are Supported
Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, families may have access to:
- 📚 Reading and literacy programs
- 🎒 School supplies and learning materials
- 🍽 Food and basic needs support
- ☀️ Summer learning opportunities
- 🧠 Family and child support services
Each participating school district works with a local network of community partners focused on meeting family needs.
🏫 Where Success by Third Grade Is Available
This program supports families in several Central Ohio school districts:
- Columbus City Schools
- Whitehall City Schools
- Reynoldsburg City Schools
- Groveport Madison Schools
- South-Western City Schools
- Westerville City Schools
🎯 Our Goal
Success by Third Grade is working to:
- 📈 Increase the number of children reading at grade level by third grade
- 🏡 Support family stability and access to resources
- 🌱 Build a strong foundation for long-term academic success
Progress is tracked through reading growth, school engagement, and access to family supports.
🤝 How Families Can Get Involved
Families can support their child’s success by:
- 📚 Reading together at home
- 🧑🤝🧑 Participating in school and community programs
- 📣 Asking for help or resources when needed
- 💬 Staying connected with teachers and community partners
You don’t have to do this alone — support is available.
📞 Contact & Support
If you’d like help, have questions, or want to learn more about resources for your family, you can contact United Way of Central Ohio:
📍 Office: United Way of Central Ohio,
215 N. Front St., Suite 600, Columbus, OH 43215 🇺🇸
📞 Phone: (614) 227-2700
✉️ General Info: info@uwcentralohio.org (for program questions, they can direct you to the right staff)
For specific Success by Third Grade involvement, partner support, or resources, ask to be connected with the Success by Third Grade team when you call or email.
💙 Why This Matters for Your Family
When families are supported, children thrive.
Success by Third Grade helps create a community where:
- Children feel confident learning
- Families feel supported
- Schools and partners work together for success
Every child deserves a bright future — and every family deserves help to get there!
