Read United was developed by United Way for Southeastern Michigan to promote and enhance literacy initiatives throughout our
region. As part of this effort, United Way Community Schools partners are participating in special programming aimed at encouraging students and their families to meet reading goals and participate in literacy activities, all while earning fun prizes donated by United Way and its partners.

With so much of a child’s success riding on their access to print materials, we are committed to putting more books in the hands of students across our region while encouraging our students and families to read together. Through these efforts, we hope to bring awareness to the systemic barriers that impede literacy.

In Southeastern Michigan, 61% of households and communities meet the criteria of "book deserts". These are areas and neighborhoods that lack public libraries and stores that sell books, and homes where books are an unaffordable or an unfamiliar luxury. The most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income children is to increase their access to print. Communities ranking high in achievement tests have several factors in common: an abundance of books in public libraries, easy access to books in the community at large, and a large number of textbooks per student. This is why Read United is so critical. Putting more books in the hands of more students creates an environment where children can thrive. 

We hope you will consider joining us by donating and volunteering today!