COMMUNITY SCHOOL LEARNING EXCHANGE

Glasses. For some of us, they’re second nature. Others may never needed them. But as technology use continues to grow, vision concerns among children are becoming more common.

As another school year comes to a close, we want to recognize three retiring principals who have been strong supporters and champions of the United Way Community School Model. Their leadership has helped create school environments where students, families, staff, and Community School Directors can work together to meet the unique needs of each school community.

At Pfeiffer-Burleigh Elementary, a United Way Community School, helping families feel connected doesn't stop at the school doors.

Recently, United Way of Erie County staff had the opportunity to present at two notable conferences, sharing lessons learned, best practices, and expertise developed through years of implementing and supporting the Community Schools Model in Erie County.

At United Way Community Schools' 3rd Annual Leadership Retreat, more than 225 student leaders from 17 schools showed us the answer.

McKinley Elementary, a United Way Community School, hosted its annual Color Blast Party, bringing together more than 400 students and family members for an afternoon full of color, connection, and community.

Teacher Appreciation Week was recently...but supporting teachers goes far beyond a single week of recognition.

Parker Lord Corporation, Corporate Partner at Erie High School, a United Way Community School, recently hosted a career panel for 11th and 12th grade CTE engineering students, focused on what opportunities can look like after graduation.

For more than 30 years, Housing Authority of the City of Erie has shown what it means to lead by example. Through United Way of Erie County’s Workplace Campaign, local companies and organizations rally their teams to give back, supporting efforts that strengthen our community through employee contributions.

Higher Education, Community Schools, and the Work of Generational Change. That was the message Dr. Walter Iwanenko, President of Gannon University, shared during last week’s United Way Briefing. It set the tone for a deeper conversation about what it really means to invest in our community.

On Thursday, March 26, students from nine United Way Community Schools came together for an evening of problem solving, quick thinking, and high energy as they competed in Challenge 24.

For Sam, a student at Harding Elementary, becoming a leader at school was always something they hoped for & that opportunity came to life through the Harding Student Ambassador program.

Learn how Marquis Wallace, owner of Anansi Collaborations, is bringing creativity and confidence to students at United Way Community Schools!

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re proud to highlight one of our dedicated Women United members, Beth Hirz, Erie County’s District Attorney. Beth has been a longtime advocate and supporter of United Way’s work in our community. We recently sat down with her to learn more about why she believes in our work and what inspires her continued support.

Every year, Wegmans goes above and beyond to support our organization, from volunteering to donating, to running a successful workplace campaign, they’ve been incredibly supportive of our work with United Way Community Schools. 

When you think of after-school clubs, you might picture STEM, theater, or National Honor Society. But at Erie High, one club is gaining recognition for something bigger with real impact. 

Every month, the Erie School Board receives a snapshot of how the Community School Model is transforming classrooms and communities across the district. Now, we’re sharing that same insider look with you. This report highlights tangible results, including programs launched, partnerships formed, and progress being made for Erie students and families.