About United to Learn

United to Learn (U2L) is a Dallas-based education nonprofit with a stated mission of changing lives by transforming the relationship between schools and community. United to Learn is focused on accelerating student achievement across 75 Dallas ISD elementary schools, and growing purposeful leaders through partnerships with businesses, high schools, faith-based organizations, and engaged 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.

While COVID-19 has left a wake of unfinished learning, the United to Learn difference is clear. The established 27 U2L Schools saw significant literacy achievement with a growth of 39% over the five years preceding COVID. In the spring of 2020, we added 20 more schools where only 1 in 4 third graders were on pace. Through the 2020-2021 school year, impactful partnerships enabled U2L Schools to stave off over 50% of the loss experienced across other Dallas ISD Title I schools (5pt vs. 11pt decline).

Established U2L schools performed 5 points higher than their district peers and new U2L schools maintained pre-pandemic achievement levels.

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.

3,100

EDUCATORS

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

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Our 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

White
Jefferson
Hillcrest
Conrad
Other
ACE
Lincoln
Madison
Roosevelt

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 Partners