Latest news with #UnitedWayofthePlains
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wichita kids get free books for summer reading
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Nearly 2,800 elementary students across Wichita took home new books last week, thanks to a citywide effort to prevent summer learning loss and build literacy skills at an early age. A total of 5,572 books were distributed to 2,786 K–3 students across 13 Wichita Public Schools as part of the 2025 Champions for Literacy initiative — a national campaign that pairs sports with reading advocacy. Each student received two books and additional resources to support reading at home. The effort comes in response to sobering figures from the Kansas Department of Education showing that 77% of Wichita third graders were not reading proficiently in the 2023–2024 school year. To help reverse that trend, United Way of the Plains, Wichita State University, and Wichita Public Schools partnered to raise funds and awareness through the Champions for Literacy campaign. The initiative culminated in special WSU men's and women's basketball games in February, where fans contributed 151 donations. With support from a matching grant by International Paper, the effort raised $25,142. FDA moves to get rid of ingestible fluoride for kids 'Wichita State University is a powerful partner in our community's #ForceForGood,' Pete Najera, President and CEO of United Way of the Plains, said in a statement. 'This program provides help and hope for our local students and future Shockers.' The initiative drew widespread support from more than 25 community organizations, with volunteers helping sort, package, and distribute books. Books were delivered to students at the following elementary schools: Adams, Buckner, College Hill, Gordon Parks, Harry Street, Irving, Jackson, L'Ouverture, Mueller, Ortiz, Spaght, Washington, and Woodland. To learn more about the Champions for Literacy initiative, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kansas students benefit from $50K from United Way
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Almost a dozen children's programs will share $50,000 from United Way of the Plains. The money for south-central Kansas is part of the annual Dwane L. Wallace Youth Venture Grant, which is partly funded by an endowment established by Velma Lunt Wallace to honor her late husband, Dwane L. Wallace, former head of Cessna Aircraft and community advocate. First measles case reported in Sedgwick County The money goes to school-based programs that uplift and empower local youth through impactful initiatives. 2025 Dwane Wallace Youth Venture microgrant recipients: Bus bucks, USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, $7,000 CMA Robotics, Christa McAuliffe Academy K-8, USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, $3,000 Field trips, 5th and 6th grades, USD 373 Newton Public Schools, $1,860 Fresh fruit for students, USD 439 Sedgwick Public Schools, $2,340 Head Start nutritious food and meals, Cooper Early Education Center, USD 373 Newton Public Schools, $3,000 Medicine Lodge Grade School Truancy Prevention Program, USD 254 Medicine Lodge Public Schools, $2,300 Summer Enrichment Program, Oxford Elementary, USD 358 Oxford Public Schools, $7,000 Healthy snacks for students, USD 311 Pretty Prairie Public Schools $7,000 STEALTH Afterschool Program, USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, $7,500 Valley Center High School Food Pantry, USD 262 Valley Center Public Schools, $7,000 Youth-Centric Mandarin Extension Program for Impactful Linguistic Education, The Independent School, $2,000 Medicine Lodge Public Schools Truancy Prevention Program (Courtesy United Way of the Plains) Pretty Prairie Public Schools Wellness Wednesday Healthy Food Program (Courtesy United Way of the Plains) Wichita Public Schools Stealth Healthy Food Program and Bus Bucks Good Behavior Program (Courtesy United Way of the Plains) 'This microgrant program provides an opportunity for teachers and schools to support youth and inspire the next generation, carrying on the legacy left by Dwane Wallace,' Logan Bradshaw, United Way of the Plains director of community impact, said in a news release. Click here to learn more about the program and to apply for future grants. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
