Funds will Support Blueprint for Early Childhood Success
Today, United Way of Greater Nashville announced that it received a $100,000 gift from AllianceBernstein (AB) to support the Blueprint for Early Childhood Success, a community-wide effort to advance literacy justice throughout Greater Nashville.
“As part of AB’s continued commitment to the Nashville community, we are honored to support the United Way of Greater Nashville in offering assistance and support to our local students, beginning with critical grade-level reading,” said Kate Burke, chief operating officer and head of private wealth for AB. “We believe in investing in our future talent in the region, and that begins with supporting our local students.”
Fewer than one in four third graders are reading at grade level: a challenge the city has faced for more than two decades. When a child misses this early milestone, their chances of success are dramatically curtailed. The pandemic has only heightened the problem, underscoring the need for action.
In December 2019, United Way of Greater Nashville was selected as the Blueprint’s backbone organization to ensure that every child has an equal chance to be successful in school and beyond. AB has previously supported the Blueprint in 2019, and other funds within the United Way, including COVID-19.
“We are so grateful to AllianceBernstein for their generous gift and continuing advocacy for grade level reading,” says Erica Mitchell, United Way of Greater Nashville’s executive vice president and chief community impact officer. “Nashville has a long way to go in pursuing literacy justice for all children, but we’re working hard each and every day to make it a reality. AllianceBernstein’s gift goes a long way to fuel this fire.”
“Grade-level reading must be a priority investment area in Greater Nashville,” Mitchell said. “It’s when compassionate business leaders like AB step up that we can build on that gift and make meaningful and lasting change in our community.”
To learn more about the Blueprint for Early Childhood Success, visit blueprintnashville.org.