By Clay LePard
clepard@cbs4qc.com
Today is about closing the education gap for those in the QCA.
Area leaders will show their support to make sure all kids can read at a third grade level, by third grade.
For years, the United Way has been working to reduce the reading level gap. So much so that recently, the Quad Cities branch was one of 14 to receive an All-American city award for their plan.
Those at the United Way say the gap between reading levels of low income students and their peers is huge.
"In some areas of our community it's 2:1," says Jenny Parvin, Vice President, QC United Way. "Students that are low income are twice as likely not to be ready at grade level as their peers."
For parents, United Way leaders say there are plenty of ways to get involved and help your children stay ahead.
"You can look at signing up your child for Imagination Library at Unitedwayqc.org which is a simple way to read with your kid from the time they are young and being involved with their school life – just those two simple things makes a huge impact," Parvin adds.
The celebration takes place at 9:15 a.m. at the Quad Cities United Way office in Davenport.
