Capital Blue Cross to Support 20,000 Students as Newest United Way Community Schools Network Partner
Capital Blue Cross has expanded its support to advance academic success for approximately 20,000 students across the United Way Community Schools network. Through this partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Capital Blue Cross becomes the network partner for 33 Community Schools across five districts including Bethlehem Area and Easton Area school districts.
“Capital Blue Cross understands that when students have what they need to excel in school, it enhances their well-being and makes their communities stronger and healthier,” said Susan Hubley, Capital Blue Cross Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility. “Our support of United Way Community Schools enables the organization to continue to provide innovative programs that help strengthen Lehigh Valley children and families.
Through United Way Community Schools, thousands of students gain access to the resources that they need to grow academically.
“Capital Blue Cross and United Way share a vision of a healthy, strong community. As United Way Community Schools’ network partner, Capital Blue Cross makes a direct impact both on individual students and the region’s education system as a whole. When schools have the resources that students and families need and can offer them through a coordinated approach, kids can thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
With goals to demonstrate growth in math and literacy across every school and every grade level, Community School Coordinators activate a network of cross-sector partners to offer a range of services that aim to improve student attendance, increase family engagement and remove barriers to learning. Services include:
- basic needs such as food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies;
- connections to critical resources such as healthcare and housing;
- academic engagement experiences such as field trips and after-school programming;
- parent engagement workshops and activities; and
- on-site physical, mental and behavioral health services.
In addition to directly supporting education work in schools, the partnership with Capital Blue Cross will provide funding for network-wide coordination, data collection and evaluation and communication, as well as professional development and training opportunities for Community School Coordinators and staff.
To learn more, please visit the United Way Community Schools page.
