Preston Hollow neighbor and United to Learn leader Abigail Williams speaks at the Impact Showcase. Photography courtesy of United to Learn.

United to Learn, a local education nonprofit, hosted its inaugural Impact Showcase to share its commitment to raise $24 million for Dallas ISD elementary students for long-term success.

On Thursday, May 2, over 200 volunteers, educators, investors and community members attended the event at DEC on Dragon in the Design District, engaging with interactive displays that celebrated investors, outlined the organization’s mission, highlighted programs and gathered education advocates.

“Together, we are impacting a child’s life today, developing the teacher workforce for tomorrow and serving as a vital contributing partner to long-term systemic change,” United to Learn founder and CEO Abigail Williams said. “We feel good about what we’ve accomplished, witnessing growth in student literacy scores and tremendous community engagement, and we’re encouraged by what lies ahead because there’s so much more to be done. Simply put, until every child in Dallas ISD is reading and dreaming of their limitless possibilities, our work is not done!”

The $24 million initiative, the Fueling Potential campaign, will ensure third graders are reading on grade level, expand equitable opportunities and prepare children for long-term success.

“Every child and school needs the support of stakeholders who breathe life into learning,” Chapel Hill Elementary principal Zenaida Martinez said. “We need partnerships that ensure that our students don’t just succeed; they thrive, know they are being invested in, and can provide access to creative spaces that unearth life skills.”

Leadership investors from The Harold Simmons Foundation, The Addy Foundation, the Hirsch Family Foundation and Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies were able to help United to Learn to reach almost $8 million, one-third of the campaign’s goal.

“I’ve been involved with United to Learn for almost a decade, and believe me when I tell you it is one of the most well-run, structured, research-centered, and metrics-driven organizations in our city,” board chair Margaret Hirsch said. “Why is this so important? Because only a highly orchestrated, collaborative, and compassionate organization can take care of every child in our city. And that’s where we’re headed.”