United Way Capital Area's History of Success By 6

The issues of child well being in Central Texas are best addressed by a collaborative, comprehensive plan that successfully engages both the private and public sectors. To support all children in our community, United Way Capital Area has launched Success By 6 to align community partners and resources in this important work.

The United Way Capital Area Early Childhood Initiative began in 2000, with a specific focus on bridging the "digital divide" for low-income families and providing resources to improve their children’s school readiness. Through "Tech Tots," the United Way partnered with Dell, IBM, Grande Communications, private contributors, and nonprofit partners to provide more than 200 low-income families with home computers, children's educational software, computer training, free Internet access, and tech mentors. The results were very positive: 91% of the 217 children demonstrated improved pre-math and/or pre-reading skills, and 90% of the 216 parents reported improved computer and software skills. Communities in Schools, a United Way Capital Area partner, now offers Tech Tots to several of its ASPIRE families.

In 2002, the City of Austin Child Care Council adopted a "Comprehensive Early Care & Education Framework." The Framework's six areas of focus included Early Care & Education, Advocacy, Health & Wellness, Program Supports, Family Supports, and Planning, Evaluation & Coordination. The Early Start Coalition, a consortium of approximately 30 service providers led by The Austin Project, worked to develop a comprehensive "vision" for the Austin community, centered around child outcomes in the areas of health, safety, school readiness, child care, family support, and community engagement.

Then, in 2004, the United Way Capital Area Early Childhood Initiative was licensed as Success By 6 by United Way of America. Building on the foundation laid by the Child Care Council's Framework and the Early Start Coalition's important work on child outcomes, Success By 6 (SB6) is leading a broad community dialogue to identify and prioritize specific goals and outcomes for the community. The first project for Success By 6 is a public awareness campaign centered on "Born Learning," which will inform parents, siblings, grandparents, and other caregivers about the power and availability of everyday learning opportunities.