We are deeply saddened to share that due to DOGE cuts, effective immediately, the AmeriCorps funding supporting our Ready Readers program was halted on Friday, April 25, 2025. Since 2023, AmeriCorps members at United Way of Kershaw County dedicated over 15,000 service hours to the Kershaw County community, benefiting more than 1100 students across all nine KCSD elementary schools. Impressively, 100% of these students experienced an improvement in their reading scores after engaging in the Ready Readers program in 2024.

Nationally, over 33,000 AmeriCorps Members and in our state over 600 Members are impacted by this sweeping action to end programs that make an incredible difference!

Impact of AmeriCorps Members

The AmeriCorps members serving the UWKC Ready Readers program were all local residents who wanted to serve their community. Kershaw County high school seniors made up 75% of the AmeriCorps members, while the remaining 25% consisted of local adults and college students, totaling more than 100 members. These individuals were not only providing invaluable service but also honing essential leadership skills in preparation for future college and career paths.

Although the primary focus of these AmeriCorps members was on elementary school service, they also contributed to various community initiatives. They regularly collaborated with organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Military Children’s Education Coalition, Kershaw County Council on Aging, Mobile Nutrition Center, New Day Transitional Housing, and the Game, Set, Vegetable Patch Community Garden.

The United Way of Kershaw County is committed to ensuring that we continue to support our community and the Kershaw County School District in preparing and equipping students for success. Locally we will be rallying the financial support needed to sustain the good and impactful work.