Every child can succeed in school with the right support. Trained and qualified teachers are a good start, but children also need access to three nutritious meals each day, special attention to their unique academic needs, the means for their parents to be involved, social and cultural enrichment, and access to health care, among other supports.

But not all of our community's children are able to learn at their best. Children who live in poverty—those who qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch—score on average up to two grade levels below their peers. A significant achievement gap also exists between white and minority students in Utah. Our high school students struggle to pass mandated exit exams, and a full 17 percent do not graduate.

United Way of Salt Lake established our Community Learning Centers (CLCs) initiative to develop the conditions that will enable all children in our service area to succeed in school. The initiative will help create collaboration and partnership between schools, community-based organizations, other public and private organizations, and families in order to improve student achievement.

Based in schools, Community Learning Centers provide an integrated focus on high-quality academics, social services and supports, and greater opportunities for family involvement. Ultimately, Community Learning Centers will lead to improved educational outcomes and a stronger, more prosperous community.

Over the next few months, United Way of Salt Lake and our community partner Centro de la Familia de Utah will begin taking the steps to foster Community Learning Centers in our service area:

• Creating a steering committee to lead the implementation of CLCs
• Developing an inventory of current CLCs in our service area and assess their level of development
• Researching proven, successful CLC models throughout the country
• Creating the model for a Technical Assistance and Resource Center to help area schools develop or grow CLCs

For more information or to get involved, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Community Impact Manager, at (801)736-7715.

Request for Proposal forms now available!

United Way of Salt Lake and Centro de la Familia are now requesting proposals from schools in our service area that are interested in increasing their capacity as a community center or CLC. Four schools will be chosen to receive a Community Learning Center Director compensated and employed by Centro de la Familia, and/or $25,000 per year from United Way of Salt Lake to support their CLC efforts. 

Download a form and fill one out today!
 Request for Proposal form

Community Partners