With United Way Broward, you can help today’s youth achieve their greatest potential through early learning and leadership programs. You’re the reason children are well fed and ready to learn, students are reading at grade level, and teens are equipped with the skills to avoid risky behavior. Your gift provides the support our children need to be prepared and successful.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, and United Way Broward is building a brighter future for thousands of children and teens.

In addition to operating several in-house initiatives, United Way Broward funds and partners with local agencies and organizations to help children get off to a good start and empower youth to reach their full potential by overcoming barriers to success.

We are advancing early childhood education, literacy development, access to a high-quality K-12 education, enrichment opportunities like afterschool and summer programs, college and career readiness, and family engagement. Our goal is a future where all young people can realize their dreams.

By investing in United Way Broward’s youth-empowering initiatives, you are investing in future leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.

United Way Broward’s in-house initiatives for Youth Opportunity include:

ReadingPals

This initiative provides weekly mentors to pre-k to third-grade students to boost literacy and a love of learning.

• over 2,700 students served

• 100,000 books distributed

• 116% increase in reading proficiency in a sample group

“I have been a ReadingPals mentor for two years, and it is so rewarding for the children and for me too. Mentors with ReadingPals are making a huge difference in students’ lives.”

— Brendan, a ReadingPals mentor at Gulfstream Academy

Community Partnership Schools

Gulfstream Academy of Hallandale Beach K-8 and Hallandale Magnet High School integrate health, tutoring services, and family-based programs to increase student successes and family stability.

• 2,700 students served

• 29 on-site programs

• $9.90 return for every $1 invested

Broward Youth Coalition (BYC)

Since its inception, BYC has reached over 20,000 middle-and high-school students in its promotion of substance-use prevention, mental-health awareness, and self-care. Many students:

• participate in town halls, Alternative Spring Break, and Youth Leadership Institute

• develop skills for public speaking and network with community

• earn community-service hours

“At BYC’s events throughout the year, we learn there are no limits to what we can do.”

— Vincent

Choose Peace/Stop Violence

This county-wide collaborative promotes anti-bullying efforts, social justice, and violence prevention through peer-led clubs titled “Agents of Change.”

• over 500 student members

• 200 participating schools in Choose Peace Week every September

• 48% decrease in incidents of violence and fights in participating schools

“Sixth grade was a new environment, and I experienced a lot of bullying. I joined Choose Peace/Stop Violence, and its activities help me express my feelings in a positive way. Now I know that there are people who care.”

— Darin

Project EmPOWER

Launched in 2021 with a grant by FPL, Project EmPOWER is building positive relationships between young people (ages 10 to 17) and law enforcement through service-learning and STEAM-based activities. This initiative includes:

• over 1,800 participating youth'

• 800 officers from multiple municipalities across Broward

• 200+ community events every year

Born Learning Trails

As part of Project EmPOWER, Born Learning Trails are transforming Broward’s public spaces into interactive learning environments for young children and families. Each trail features 10 signs with activities to promote literacy, problem-solving skills, and social development.

Check out our trails in Adler Park, Renaissance Park, and Plantation Heritage Park — with more to come!