Preparing Children to Succeed in School and Beyond

Why it Matters

The early years of life are critical to child development. Utah County has one of the highest birthrates in the nation. A successful future for a child depends on many things, including appropriate healthcare and adequate education. Many Utah County children are living in poverty and their basic needs are not being met.

Children who enter kindergarten unprepared to succeed have greater difficulty achieving grade-level proficiency. If they are still behind in the third grade, they will most likely never catch up and are at risk for dropping out for school. The first years of a child’s life set the stage for success in school and life, and our community pays a high price for children entering school unprepared.

As our community unites to help prepare Utah County children to succeed in school and beyond, we will be building a stronger future for our children and our community.

Utah County Facts

• 35% of the Utah County population is under the age of 18.
• 49,088 children are under the age of 5 in Utah County.
• 32% of 3rd grade students in a Utah County school district are below their reading level.
• 12.9 % of Utah County families with children live in poverty.
• 48% or 6,251 students in the Provo School District qualify for free or reduced lunch.
• 5% of teenagers in Utah County from 16-19 yrs old are not enrolled in school and are not high school graduates, and the majority are not employed.

The Vision
We imagine a community where every child is ready for school, has books to read and parents who read to her, and is reading at grade level. We imagine a Utah County where every child’s parents are prepared to help them be ready for school, where every child is supported, cared for and nurtured, and where every child has a chance to grow and learn. We imagine a community where every child has a real chance to succeed.