Alyssa was in need of help to attend college and received the United Way Women’s Leadership Council Emerging Leadership Award for Women. “This award helps financially fund my opportunity to acquire a college education so that I can use my degree and my career as the catalyst to do bigger and better things for my community and my country."

Erin wasn't convinced that early childhood education was important until she sent her two children, Jaxon and Jaydon, to an early childcare center. United Way pre-K scholarships helped them attend preschool. “I am a true believer that things happen for a reason,” said Erin. “I financially cannot afford it and this scholarship has made it possible for my children to obtain and early education. They are able to grasp and learn a lot more and work in teams. I have seen it make a difference in the lives of my children.”