About United to Learn
United to Learn (U2L) is a Dallas-based education nonprofit that is changing lives by transforming the relationship between schools and community. United to Learn is focused on accelerating student literacy achievement across 75 Dallas ISD elementary schools with plans to expand to all District Title 1 schools in future years. Key to this model is mobilizing community partnerships with business, high schools, faith-based organizations, individuals and groups. Together we work to create a united, thriving community.
To ensure efforts align to accelerate student outcomes, our research driven initiatives aim to: 1) improve our schools’ social emotional health, 2) create aspirational learning environments, 3) drive student literacy achievement, and 4) activate an informed community empowered to advance for educational equity from a culturally competent perspective.
Our Commitment
We believe our collective potential lives within our youngest learners. By uniting people and resources, we are making a measurable difference for thousands of Dallas students and their families.
Our vision: Accelerate student achievement and develop purposeful leaders.
Our mission: Change lives by transforming the relationship between schools and community.
For over a decade, we have worked arm-in-arm with Dallas ISD elementary schools igniting substantial investment in student resources, teacher trainings, and campus improvements. Over the years we have grown our partnerships to include 75 public elementary schools and many forward-thinking private schools, community partners and businesses. Together we are closing opportunity gaps and building an informed community empowered to advocate for ALL students to learn and lead.
3,400
EDUCATORS
75
SCHOOLS
36,326
STUDENTS
Our Demographics
Of the 36,326 students in our 75 schools:
- 90% live in poverty, qualifying for free or reduced lunch
- 90% have endured at least one adverse childhood experience
- 92% students of color (70% Latinx, 22% Black, 8% White)
- 55% are emergent bilingual language learners
- >1 year learning loss feared for students of color and students living in poverty as a result of campus closures due to COVID
- In the last 5 years, STAAR reading achievement has increased by 39% in our partner schools!
Our Approach
Evidence-based investments aligned with Dallas ISD close resource gaps across supported campuses, while tackling awareness gaps across the community.
United to Learn’s unique approach serves as an outstanding model in how to best support our students and schools. The way United to Learn staff mobilizes volunteers, businesses and community partners boosts student achievement and helps improve campuses in a way that aligns with our district vision and priorities.
– Michael Hinojosa, Dallas ISD Superintendent
Learn MoreOur Footprint
In Dallas, privilege and poverty have coexisted for far too long. That’s why we work side-by-side with the community, elementary educators, and students across the Dallas Independent School District to dissolve our city’s divide.
United to Learn Dallas ISD Elementary Partners
• Fall 2023 additions appear in green
United to Learn’s commitment to cultivating relationships while tackling resource gaps is why I invited them to continue to work alongside us to accelerate learning for thousands more Dallas ISD students.
– Roshonda Clayton-Brown, Deputy Chief of School Leadership, Dallas ISD
Meet Our PartnersOur Impact
95%
Educator survey
POSITIVE
response rates
21%
Increase in
TEACHER EFFICACY
29%
Increase in
POSITIVE
classroom strategies
92%
High school
LEADER
RETENTION
Year-Over-Year 3rd Grade STAAR Reading Achievement
Our steadily rising scores in literacy achievement are a direct reflection of United to Learn’s collaborative investment.
– Principal Sonia Loskot, Burnet Elementary