Expanded support will advance student success across United Way Community Schools network of 33 schools.

Allentown, PA, October 11, 2024 – Capital Blue Cross has expanded its support to advance academic success for approximately 20,000 students across the United Way Community Schools network. Through this partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Capital Blue Cross becomes the network partner for 33 Community Schools across five districts including Bethlehem Area and Easton Area school districts.

“Capital Blue Cross understands that when students have what they need to excel in school, it enhances their well-being and makes their communities stronger and healthier,” said Susan Hubley, Capital Blue Cross Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility. “Our support of United Way Community Schools enables the organization to continue to provide innovative programs that help strengthen Lehigh Valley children and families.

Through United Way Community Schools, thousands of students gain access to the resources that they need to grow academically.

“Capital Blue Cross and United Way share a vision of a healthy, strong community. As United Way Community Schools’ network partner, Capital Blue Cross makes a direct impact both on individual students and the region’s education system as a whole.

When schools have the resources that students and families need and can offer them through a coordinated approach, kids can thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

With goals to demonstrate growth in math and literacy across every school and every grade level, Community School Coordinators activate a network of cross-sector partners to offer a range of services that aim to improve student attendance, increase family engagement and remove barriers to learning. Services include:

• basic needs such as food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies;
• connections to critical resources such as healthcare and housing;
• academic engagement experiences such as field trips and after-school programming;
• parent engagement workshops and activities; and
• on-site physical, mental and behavioral health services.

In addition to directly supporting education work in schools, the partnership with Capital Blue Cross will provide funding for network-wide coordination, data collection and evaluation and communication, as well as professional development and training opportunities for Community School Coordinators and staff.

To learn more about United Way Community Schools, please visit unitedwayglv.org.

About United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley

United Way fights for the health, safety and education of every person in the Greater Lehigh Valley and envisions communities where every person belongs and every person thrives. We strive to achieve this goal by assessing community needs, raising funds, investing in solutions and mobilizing our community to action. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayGLV.org

About Capital Blue Cross

Capital Blue Cross is proud to support United Way Community Schools network. Capital serves a 21-county region in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley by offering health insurance products, services, and solutions that promote health and wellness for our members and our communities. We also provide financial support to local arts, education, and civic activities that help our communities thrive and grow. We have an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve and we are proud to be an active participant in the region’s vibrant growth and continued success. Capital Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley