Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO of United Way California Capital Region, high-fives a graduate of United Way's West Sacramento KinderCamp program. Photo courtesy of United Way

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – Sixteen incoming kindergarteners gathered at Southport Elementary School in West Sacramento on Friday, July 10 to participate in a graduation ceremony for United Way's KinderCamp, which helps prepare children for kindergarten who have not experienced preschool. Each child decorated a graduation cap, walked across the stage to high-five local dignitaries and United Way staff and board members, and received a diploma and backpack. The children then performed a song and dance for the audience.

“KinderCamp is about opening doors, building confidence and surrounding every child with the support they need to walk into kindergarten ready to shine,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “When we invest in our children's education together as families, educators and as a community, we create a brighter path not just for our kids, but for our region."”

Run at elementary school sites in Woodland, West Sacramento and Rancho Cordova each summer, KinderCamp gives students the chance to participate in learning opportunities focused on math, literacy, social interactions and more. Every day a child attends, the child receives a healthy lunch and new book. The program has served nearly 1,000 children. Partners include: United Way, Folsom-Cordova Unified School District, Washington Unified School District, Woodland Joint Unified School District and YMCA of Superior California. 

United Way California Capital Region has been a driving force across the region for more than 100 years, listening, responding and taking comprehensive action to meet local needs. From advancing youth opportunities and helping kids excel in school, to strengthening local communities and investing in families' financial security and health, United Way mobilizes communities to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential and thrive.

Working across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way provides books and literacy tutoring, addresses housing and food security, leads the region's largest tax preparation initiative, works with foster youth across school districts, launched the region's first guaranteed income program and leads the Community Schools initiative in West Sacramento. To make a donation: www.YourLocalUnitedWay.org.