Diversity Impact Area

“Being of the same culture, I knew the struggles that other Natives would experience. I wanted to meet those head on and be able to make a difference. That’s when I decided to become a mentor.”

Meets the unique educational needs of refugee and immigrant families.
Assists non-English speakers in transitioning from general standard American English to a higher academic level that will prepare them for future college/university course work.
Matches Native American students with positive role models.
Provides a safe after school environment that embraces different cultures.

Need: Local graduation rates are 89.2% district-wide, versus 53.3% for Native American students.

Results: 52 Native American students were matched with an adult mentor last year. The matches are focused on education. 91% of matches lasted at least 6 months and 77% of matches lasted at least 12 months. Of the students who were matched with a mentor, 74% maintained a C average in math, 82% maintained a C average in science, and 72% maintained a C average in reading.

Need: Nationally, nearly half of Even Start families have an annual household income of under $6,000 as compared to 13% for Head Start families. 30 million American adults have below basic literacy skills.

Results: Last year, 53 families who speak English as a second language received basic adult, early childhood, and parent education. Participants focus on interactive literacy activities. Participating children were able to identify 21 letters of the alphabet on average and 100% of adults improved their English skills.

Read Tiffany's story.

Sioux Empire United Way Impact Areas
After-School * Basic Needs * Child Care * Counseling * Disabilities * Diversity * Emergency Services
Health & Healing * Seniors * SFACF * Success By 6 * Youth Development * Youth Outreach