Youth Opportunity

We create pathways for young people to reach their goals, from early childhood education to college and career success. Together, we are helping young people realize their full potential.
Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. United Way clears the path to success, for our community's youth.
United Way funding supports childcare, early learning, education, enrichment, and family engagement to give every young person more opportunities to thrive.
Learn more about our Youth Opportunity partners, funded programs, and impact in Centre County below.
Youth Opportunity at Centre County United Way
Childcare and Early Childhood Education
- The first years of life shape a child's future. Engaging families, policymakers, professionals, and communities, United Way helps prepare children for lifelong success.
- Quality early education opens up a world of possibilities. We support quality childcare training for teachers and caregivers so every child can explore and grow.
In-School, Afterschool, and Summer Learning
- Learning doesn't stop outside the classroom. Through enriching out-of-school programs, United Way funds help young people develop the skills, confidence, and relationships they need to thrive.
- During school breaks, students can experience learning loss and fall behind. We invest in year-round educational opportunities to keep young people engaged, inspired, and on track for success.
- Through our Partner Agency Network, Centre County United Way provides resources to help more students discover more possibilities, in the classroom and beyond.
Family Engagement
- Strong families build powerful communities. United Way fosters collaboration between families, schools, and local partners, so every child has a support system for success.
- A supportive family makes all the difference for students. United Way Partner Agencies connect families with the tools they need to nurture every child’s curiosity and strengths.
Literacy Development
- Strong reading skills open doors to discovery and opportunity. We fund literacy initiatives that help children explore their world and build brighter futures.
- Early literacy sets children up for success in life. United Way expands access to literacy resources
that can spark imagination and fuel learning for every child.
Centre County Library & Historical Museum
Program(s):
Growing Lifelong Learners
Website: www.centrecountylibrary.org
Centre County Youth Service Bureau
Program(s):
Big Brothers Big Sisters Program
Bellefonte Youth Center
Mountaintop Youth Center
Website: www.ccysb.com
Child Development & Family Council
Program(s):
Child Care Education Safety Net Program
Website: www.cdfc.org
Easterseals
Program(s):
Child Development Center
Website: www.centralpa.easterseals.com/
Friendship Community Library
Program(s):
Wireless Internet for Community
Website: www.rosslibrary.org
Mid-State Literacy Council
Program(s):
ESL and Adult Literacy Programs
Website: www.mid-stateliteracycouncil.org
Park Forest Preschool
Program(s):
Early childhood education, development, and care
Website: parkforestpreschool.org
Scouting America - Juniata Valley Council
Program(s):
Program Services for Youth Development in Centre County
Website: www.jvcbsa.org
Youth Opportunity in Centre County
Impact Data (2020 - 2025)
Total Dollars Invested 2020 - 2025:
$2,765,632.02
Number of people served:
80,904
About Centre County United Way
We create opportunities for a better life for everyone in Centre County by raising money in an annual fundraising campaign to invest in programs available to Centre County residents. We are all connected and interdependent; the idea that we all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people are healthy. It is less about helping one person at a time and more about making sure the systems are in place to help everyone in Centre County.
Instead of focusing on one single need or issue, we focus on hundreds — helping our community as a whole. So not only does your donation to Centre County United Way go to the need that is closest to your heart, it also goes to the needs that may be less obvious but no less important.
How do we help so many people with so many different needs? Here’s the key — we partner with local health and human service agencies where our neighbors in need go for help, places like Centre Helps, Strawberry Fields, Tides, Easterseals, Centre Volunteers in Medicine, Housing Transitions, Park Forest Preschool and MORE!
Our partner agencies make sure help is available to provide food, shelter for the homeless, safe places for kids to go after school, personal home care for the elderly, dental visits for the uninsured, and so much more. Our Partner Agency Network works together to make sure all of the needs are addressed because United is the Way.
