Pinellas nonprofit granted $1M for early childhood education

United Way Suncoast announced a $1 million grant from PNC Foundation dedicated toward helping early childhood education needs. 

The grant will support the United We Learn initiative, which focuses on kindergarten readiness in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties. The readiness ensures that all children enter kindergarten on a level playing field through early childhood education programs. 

"When children enter kindergarten ready to learn, their chances of succeeding academically increase dramatically," says Jessica Muroff, CEO of United Way Suncoast in a release from the organization. "Currently, only half of the children entering kindergarten in the counties we serve are considered school-ready, making the need for early intervention even more urgent. As we embark on our second century of service, this generous grant from the PNC Foundation is a critical investment in the future of our community and will help us provide more children with the support they need to thrive."