COMMUNITY SCHOOL LEARNING EXCHANGE

At Erie High, a United Way Community School, preparing students for life beyond graduation means more than just academics—it’s about providing real-world opportunities. .

Through a new career readiness initiative in partnership with Erie Insurance and other local community organizations, senior students gained valuable exposure to industry professionals and career readiness skills this year. During the school day, students participated in skill-building sessions focused on dressing for success, interview techniques, and resume writing.

Through the Community School Model and in partnership with Vision To Learn, Erie High students were able to access critical vision care services on-site this spring. Community School Directors worked closely with school nurses to identify students who had failed vision screenings during the 2024-25 school year.

McKinley Elementary hosted its very first Multicultural Music Festival and Art Gallery in May 2025—an evening full of color, creativity, and connection!

United Way of Erie County is proud to announce that Erie Strayer has joined McKinley Elementary as its official Corporate Partner

After facing multiple hardships, including unstable housing, a McKinley family was connected to the resources they need.

Over the past 8+ years, a quiet revolution has been unfolding in Erie’s public schools, and it is time we told the story. As our region works to reimagine its future, the success of our children is not a side issue: it is the foundation for everything.

Over the past decade, United Way of Erie County made a bold decision to shift from its traditional role as a fundraiser for local nonprofits to becoming a proactive social impact organization.

How United Way of Erie County is addressing Poverty through Community Schools
Since their inception, United Ways have seen numerous changes not only to the world around them, but also to the way they impact their local communities.

Community Schools are not just places where kids go to learn math and reading. They are schools that work with families and the whole community to support kids in every way. In this article, we’ll explore what Community Schools are, how they help kids, and why they are so important for breaking down learning barriers. 

When people think of a school, they usually picture students, teachers, and principals. But what if we told you there is a whole team working behind the scenes to make sure students get what they need to succeed? That team is led by United Way, and their job is to support something called a "Community School." 

Erie High, one of the newest United Way community schools, is already making remarkable strides in creating a supportive and thriving environment for students, staff, and families.

United Way of Erie County is proud to shine the spotlight on significant progress in student attendance and chronic absenteeism among many of our community schools for the 2023-24 school year.

Thousands of students in Erie face daily hazards on their way to school, including speeding traffic, cracked sidewalks, snow piles, unleashed dogs, and crime. These dangers threaten student safety, hinder timely arrivals, and disrupt learning. United Way of Erie County and its partners are committed to helping students have a safe, hazard-free route to and from school each day.  

A new Corporate Partner Coalition is set to transform education at Grover Cleveland Elementary, a United Way community school.  This dynamic collaboration, spearheaded by United Way of Erie County, promises to drive student success and expand educational opportunities.

On June 7, 2024, to secure the Community School Model for this and future generations, United Way of Erie County today announced a $1 million donation from Erie Insurance and kicked off the public phase of an ambitious endowment campaign and special impact project.

On May 14, United Way of Erie County held our first annual Community School Student Leadership Retreat sponsored by Women United. Nearly 200 students who are members of leadership groups from 13 elementary and middle community schools came together at UPMC Park for a day of fun games and leadership skill building. 

Supporters of United Way know that community schools work to break down nonacademic barriers low-income children face keeping them from being successful in school. A child’s life circumstances can greatly impact their ability to learn and thrive.

Data-driven decision making is a guiding principle of the Community School Model. We look at attendance, behavior, academic proficiency rates and more to determine needs and measure impact – but we also place heavy emphasis on stakeholder voice.

Katie Jones, regional president for ERIEBANK, is vice chair of United Way of Erie County’s Board of Directors and a member of Women United for Community Schools. She is a longtime supporter of United Way and advocate of our work. As United Way celebrates Women’s History Month, we’d like to feature this Q&A with Katie, who is a great leader for our organization and one of our strongest champions.