IMPACT
in Rapid City
Your Generosity in Action
Thanks to your support, United Way of the Black Hills is proud to share real stories — told in the words of our partners — that show how your generosity is making a difference every day.
EmpowerEd Scholarships
Through our scholarship program, we were able to welcome Summer to EmpowerEd and she has become a valuable member of our community.
As a person of mixed Native American and European ancestry, Summer had been bullied in public school and was struggling to excel. The stress of social adversity was impacting her ability to learn. She was falling behind and becoming disinterested in school.
In addition, family challenges have left her with a single parent and struggling with homelessness in recent years.
Since joining EmpowerEd, Summer has both gained from our community and made great contributions as well. She has excelled in schoolwork and developed meaningful friendships. Her interest in learning has grown remarkably and, as a result, she has made significant academic progress, particularly in reading and math, where she gained nearly two grade levels in one academic year.
Socially, Summer has grown into a confident young person who has built and maintained strong relationships with people from a variety of ages and backgrounds. The EmpowerEd scholarship program has offered stability, safety, and support in a positive educational experience.
Summer and her family have become important people in our learning community. Summer’s mom volunteers with us nearly every day. She has a wonderful aunt who lives with her and is an adult living with Down Syndrome and Autism. Summer’s aunt often comes with family members to volunteer.
Her family’s open and honest communication about respecting people of all abilities has been valuable for all our learners. Summer’s role in EmpowerEd’s community has not only benefited her, but she has also brought joy, compassion, and understanding to the entire EmpowerEd community.
Thanks to generous donors like you, United Way of the Black Hills is able to make stories like this possible!