They are not just students — they are our future leaders, artists, scientists and changemakers. But right now, hundreds of bright young minds are at risk.

With the recent loss of the federal AmeriCorps grant, hundreds of Dane County students have lost access to the tutoring support that helped them believe in themselves, build confidence and envision a future full of possibility.

For most students, tutors were more than academic helpers – they represented trusted adults and mentors. They were the ones who showed up consistently with patience, kindness, encouragement and belief that every child deserves a chance to learn, grow and to be seen.

This academic year, 1,032 students were matched with 178 volunteer tutors thanks to 27 tutor coordinators. Student attendance rates, feelings of self-confidence and literacy and math scores measurably outperform their peers. For nearly three decades, our signature AmeriCorps programs, Elementary Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections, have been supporting students and their teachers. Close to 23,000 trained community volunteers and AmeriCorps members have provided critical literacy and math tutoring to more than 113,000 local students.

In the absence of AmeriCorps, we will work alongside our school district partners, school families and tutors. We are committed to continuing this critical support to advance our Plan for Community Well-Being Youth Opportunity and Academic Success goals. We will once again evolve our programs — to preserve a generation’s future – supporting the vision that all students read at grade level, pass algebra and graduate.

Your gift today is more than a donation – it is a signal of hope and investment in continuing effective tutoring this school year and beyond. Together, we will keep Dane County’s youth learning and experiencing their community’s belief in their futures.  Donate at www.unitedwaydanecounty.org