Education

Beyond the Book is our community-based literacy initiative that connects elementary students with positive role models through the joy of reading. Building on the success of Real Men Read, the program has expanded to include mentors of all ages and backgrounds who visit classrooms, read engaging books, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. By fostering meaningful relationships, encouraging literacy, and strengthening community connections, Beyond the Book helps students discover that every story has the power to open new possibilities. 

Each year, Berwick Area United Way provides more than 2,400 free books to elementary students in the Berwick Area School District. Students are invited to select books that match their interests and reading levels, giving them the opportunity to build their own home libraries and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Held each spring, the Book Drive & Distribution helps children stay engaged in reading over the summer months, reducing the "summer slide" and preparing them for success in the next school year. By putting books directly into the hands of young readers, we're helping ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover that every story has the power to open new possibilities.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book-gifting program that mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth through age five, regardless of family income. Research shows that after receiving just ten books, children are four times more likely to demonstrate stronger emerging literacy skills—foundational abilities like letter recognition, vocabulary, and phonemic awareness that prepare them for school success. To enroll your child, sign up here. 

Literacy Kits were distributed to 56 children aged three to five. Each kit contained hands-on learning activities designed to strengthen letter and number recognition, counting skills, and pattern awareness while promoting early language development and creative thinking. Kits also included caregiver-focused resources and simple activity guides to help families reinforce learning at home. 

Read Across America Day promotes early literacy by encouraging reading among young children. United Way volunteers visit elementary school classrooms to read age-appropriate books and lead discussions about the importance of reading and lifelong learning. The event is scheduled for March 2, 2027; to volunteer as a guest reader, please contact Ayrin Shortlidge at ashortlidge@unitedwaywb.org.