Education: Building Brighter Futures Together
At United Way of Central Kansas, we believe education is the key to a strong, thriving community. That’s why we support a wide network of Community Partners and lead impactful programs that help local children and families succeed—starting from their earliest years.
Many of our partners work every day to create safe, supportive spaces for kids to learn and grow. Learn more about their work.
Our Education Focused Impact Work
Reality U and #RealWorld— Learning about Life
Through Reality U, we bring financial literacy to life for 8th and 10th graders across Barton and Pawnee Counties.
Students step into the shoes of their future 26-year-old selves—balancing budgets, paying bills, and making real-world choices at booths for housing, childcare, transportation, insurance, and more. Will they stay on budget? Will life throw a curveball at the Chance Booth? (Spoiler: It might!)
Throughout the day, local speakers and young adults share how decisions today shape opportunities tomorrow. Reality U helps students understand that the choices they make now matter.
#RealWorld equips high school seniors with practical life skills as they prepare for life after graduation. Topics include budgeting, employment, and personal wellness—helping young adults transition successfully into independent living.
Early Literacy: The Foundation for Success
We know that early literacy fuels lifelong learning—and we’re committed to giving every child a strong start.
Each month, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library delivers a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book to children from birth to age five. These books inspire families to read together, spark curiosity, and build critical early language and math skills.
Since 2011, we’ve expanded this program across Pawnee County and into Barton County—ensuring access for children, no matter their family’s income.
✨ Research shows that early reading leads to higher test scores, lower dropout rates, and stronger communities. And it all starts with a book.
Stuff the Bus — Giving Kids a Strong Start
Every summer, Stuff the Bus rallies our communities to collect essential school supplies for students across Barton and Pawnee Counties.
By partnering with local schools and agencies, we ensure kids have the tools they need to start the year feeling prepared and confident—whether it’s a new backpack, notebooks, earbuds, or even reusable water bottles.
These supplies don’t just fill backpacks—they help level the playing field. When kids have what they need, they can focus on learning instead of worrying about what they’re missing.
Stuff the Bus is more than a collection drive. It’s a community coming together to say: You matter. You belong. And we’ve got your back.