United Way of the Midlands

The mission of the United Way of the Midlands is simple: We unite people and resources to improve the quality of life in the Midlands. Our goal is to create generational change in our community by expanding opportunities for self-sufficiency while meeting immediate needs. The Midlands Reading Consortium (MRC) is our education initiative committed to fostering a love of learning in both literacy and STEM.

For 100 years, United Way of the Midlands has brought together people and resources to create lasting change in our community. Serving Richland, Lexington, Calhoun, Orangeburg, Newberry, and Fairfield counties, we tackle challenges in education, financial stability, and health. Last year, we served 56,096 people through direct initiatives and grants to community partners.

Our MRC program was originally formed in 2007 to increase the number of children readng at grade level at the start of fourth grade. In 2021, MRC expanded to include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) because like literacy, students are not meeting science and math milestones. Our STEM focus places an emphasis on curating curiosity, increasing a love and awareness of STEM opportunities, and increasing student confidence in these subjects.

During the 2024-25 school year, MRC provided reading and STEM engagement to a total of 4,652 students across the Midlands. In Fall 2024, we launched a pilot program called STEM Girls, a four-week initiative designed to build confidence and career readiness in 3rd grade girls through hands-on exploration of topics like biomedical engineering and data science. This year, STEM Girls is expanding to 5 additional schools! 

Testimonials

"I love that there's a program for girls to learn about the science, technology, engineering, and math! That was not available to me when I was younger, so I got really excited to see what the possibilities could be for the girls now. The number one thing I see with programs like this is that they're exposed, and when they're exposed to those experiences, they know more about them; they know what possibilities could lie ahead for their futures. This program {STEM Girls} is just super rewarding for me and for the girls to see what's possible! -Jackie Miller, MRC Literacy Lead & STEM Girls Volunteer, Watkins Nance Elementary