Early Education Programs
Black Hills Reads
Black Hills Reads (BHR) leverages its flexible role to breakdown industry silos, to streamline and improve collaborations, and ultimately to strengthen the systems that serve early learners and their families. As an engaged backbone organization and funder, BHR promotes early learning and literacy opportunities for early learners under age nine and their families in the Black Hills.
Early Learner Rapid City
Engage – Connect – Empower
Our Vision: All children have access to high-quality early learning experiences and environments to create a solid foundation for lifelong success.
Mission: Early Learner Rapid City is a coordinated community voice enriching the lives of children through a commitment to:
- Creating an awareness and understanding of early learning.
- Connecting families and caregivers with resources and opportunities.
- Empowering the community with information to take action.
The Leadership Committee consists of United Way of the Black Hills, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the City of Rapid City, and Early Childhood Connections.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a program funded by United Way of the Black Hills to allow children ages 0-5 to receive an age appropriate book mailed to their home once a month.