Celebrating Read Across America with Women United

United Way's ReadingPals Program Amplifies the Power of Read Across America All Year

by Jedidiah Quiñones, MBA, Director of Women’s Philanthropy and Annual Giving at United Way Broward

 

Every year, Read Across America reminds us of something profound: Reading is a gateway to imagination, opportunity, confidence, and life-long success. However, for many children in Broward County, this first step is hard to reach.

 

United Way Broward and our powerhouse affinity group of Women United are working to transform this reality by surrounding children with the stories, support, and encouragement to help them rise and thrive. This work is strengthened by a wide range of generous community partners — including Rick Case Automotive, a major sponsor whose commitment helps ensure that more children have access to books, mentors, and joyful reading experiences.

 

Read Across America is a national movement shining a light on the challenges children face in developing strong literacy skills, and it mobilizes people and communities to rally around children who need them. About 45 million people participate in Read Across America each year, and the National Education Association describes it as the largest celebration of reading in the U.S., engaging schools, libraries, municipalities, community groups, donors, and volunteers.

 

In Broward County, Read Across America has inspired volunteers to support programs like United Way Broward’s ReadingPals, specifically encouraging women leaders to join Women United in championing early childhood success. The local momentum of ReadingPals is guided by CJ Yancy, United Way Broward’s coordinator of the ReadingPals program; his leadership helps volunteers make meaningful, lasting connections with young learners.

 

This year, Women United are presenting Read Across America on Monday, March 2 at Sunland Academy in Fort Lauderdale. In addition to having a lively literacy fest with Women United’s volunteers, each child at Sunland Academy will receive a copy of All Are Welcome, written by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman, to build students’ at-home libraries.

 

Even if you can’t join us on March 2, you still can play a meaningful role in supporting Read Across America. Donations of All Are Welcome may be dropped off at United Way Broward’s Ansin Building at 1300 South Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale on weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm from February 1 to March 6. You can purchase the book by scanning this QR code. 

 

The need for the work behind Read Across America is clear. Despite the joy reading brings, many children enter kindergarten already behind in vocabulary, comprehension, and exposure to books. By third grade, reading proficiency becomes a critical predictor of future academic success — and unfortunately, too many students fall short of this benchmark.

 

By uniting volunteers, donors, educators, and families, Read Across America helps promote:

 

  • greater access to books in homes and early learning centers

  • more one‑on‑one reading time, especially for children who benefit from extra support

  • stronger early literacy development to build foundations for academic and socio-emotional success

  • increased community awareness about how early the literacy journey begins

     

Over the years, Read Across America has produced meaningful outcomes, including:

 

  • increased book ownership among children who may not have books at home

  • higher engagement from volunteers who continue supporting literacy programs beyond the event

  • improved reading confidence among young learners who benefit from positive reading experiences

  • strengthened community partnerships for supporting early childhood education

     

In Broward County, this event has become a springboard for long-term involvement. Many volunteers who participate in Read Across America become ReadingPals mentors or join Women United to deepen their impact.

 

Women United is a dynamic network of 700+ philanthropic women committed to creating lasting change in Broward County. Through United Way Broward, members of Women United focus on issues disproportionately affecting women, children, and families — with education at the forefront.

 

Women United members:

 

  • volunteer in schools and early learning centers

  • advocate for equitable access to education

  • support programs that strengthen families and empower children

  • raise funds to expand literacy initiatives and early childhood programs

 

Each year, members of Women United participate in classrooms across Broward County throughout the year by reading to children, donating books, and inspiring a love of learning. Their presence sends a powerful message: Our community cares about every child’s future.

 

This commitment to building literacy is amplified through ReadingPals, United Way Broward’s signature early literacy program, where volunteer-mentors help pre-k and kindergarten students improve vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for reading. The need is urgent — 39% of Broward County students are not reading at grade level proficiency by the end of third grade.

 

The success of ReadingPals is evident in the gains students are achieving:

 

  • children with a ReadingPals mentor significantly increased their scores in print knowledge, phonological awareness, math, and oral language

  • in a family survey, 92% of parents reported reading to their child at least twice a week or more by the end of the program

  • in a sample of 225 children, reading proficiency increased by 116%

 

Read Across America and ReadingPals are deeply connected:

 

  • Read Across America sparks awareness, and ReadingPals provides long-term solutions

  • volunteers share in the joy of reading with children, and many choose to continue as ReadingPals mentors

  • both initiatives reinforce the importance of early literacy, helping children build the foundation they need for academic success

 

When a child learns to read, their world expands, they gain confidence, they discover new ideas, they dream bigger — and it happens because caring adults show up, Women United shows up, and ReadingPals mentors show up. Together, we are helping to close literacy gaps and open doors for Broward County’s youngest learners.

 

You can continue the great momentum for literacy building when the day for Read Across America is over:

 

  • Become a part of Women United — Join a community of passionate, purpose-driven women who are shaping the future of Broward County. Your unique experience, insights, and leadership can uplift individuals and families who need it most.

  • Be a ReadingPals mentor — Just one hour a week can change a child’s life. ReadingPals provides training, materials, and support, and you provide the heart. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or brand new to mentoring, you can change a child’s life forever.