Listen To the Full Interview Here
Blake Pang, President and CEO of United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS), recently joined JLynn on Reno Media Group to discuss the organization’s mission, impact, and the critical need for continued support of their signature program, United Readers.
During the interview, Pang highlighted the success of the United Readers program, which he described as “one of the most successful literacy and education interventions I’ve seen in over 20 years.” In the most recent school year alone, the program served 643 children from the beginning to the end of the academic year, helping them significantly improve their reading skills.
However, Pang also shared concerns about the program's future due to substantial federal funding cuts. He explained that approximately $400 million in AmeriCorps-related program funding was lost nationwide. In Nevada, this resulted in the elimination of nearly two-thirds of AmeriCorps support, forcing UWNNS to make difficult decisions, including releasing many of the mentors who were essential to delivering literacy support in schools.
“This was a heartbreaking and jarring moment for us,” Pang said, emphasizing how vital these mentors were in helping struggling students improve their literacy and stay engaged in the classroom.
Despite these challenges, UWNNS continues to focus on addressing one of Nevada’s most critical issues: low literacy rates and educational outcomes. Through programs like United Readers, the organization works to boost reading skills, support classroom learning, and encourage regular school attendance.
As Pang put it, “Our work is more important than ever. We must continue to invest in the success of our children and ensure they have the tools they need to thrive.”
United Way is calling on the community to support literacy, advocate for education, and help sustain the impactful programs that are making a difference in Northern Nevada classrooms every day. Blake discussed all programs that UWNNS has to offer, including Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Nevada Ready State Pre-K, Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), the resource provider '211', and more.
United Readers Impact: 643 Children Reached, Literacy Scores Soar in Northern Nevada
At United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, our mission goes beyond counting the number of children we serve. We focus on what truly matters—how children are better off because of our programs.
From the start of the school year to its close, we proudly served 643 children. But what’s more inspiring is what came out of that service: 91% of those children increased their literacy scores by at least one level—and on average, the group improved by two and a half levels. This kind of progress is not only impressive—it’s nearly unheard of in such a short timeframe.
The Power of Outcomes Over Outputs
While many organizations focus on how many kids they reach, we’re focused on how far those kids go. Through our work in early literacy we are proving that measurable, meaningful impact is possible—especially when data supports the story.
The Critical Importance of United Readers
In Nevada, where literacy and educational outcomes consistently rank among the lowest in the nation, this program is nothing short of essential. Without the ability to read proficiently by third grade, students are four times more likely to drop out of high school. For children from low-income families, that risk is increased.
This is why United Readers focuses on:
-
One-on-one and small-group instruction with trained mentors who tailor support to each child’s specific reading needs.
-
In-school sessions, reducing barriers like transportation and increasing consistency and trust with school staff.
-
Evidence-based strategies, like phonemic awareness, that directly improve reading fluency and comprehension.
-
Data-driven results, showing not just participation, but real progress—91% of students increased at least one literacy level last school year.
These tools help families navigate early education, from signing up for school to making sure their child is ready to thrive.
United Readers: Small Groups, Big Growth
A standout in our strategy is the United Readers program, which pairs children with mentors for small group and one-on-one literacy support. These sessions focus on phonemic awareness—the foundational skill of understanding the sounds that make up words.
For many of the children in the program, this is their first exposure to this kind of learning. Teachers have reported transformative results, with students beginning to sound out words on their own, confidently participating in class, and even applying fun rhythmic techniques to improve their reading fluency.
Losing Federal Funding
The widespread nature of the funding losses made headlines and stirred public concern, with many in Northern Nevada feeling blindsided. The timing was especially painful given that United Readers was poised for growth—and the evidence of its effectiveness is “undeniable,” Pang emphasized.
What makes United Readers so impactful is its small and one and one group mentoring, primarily focused on phonemic awareness—foundational skill for reading. These sessions are delivered by trained mentors, many of whom served through AmeriCorps. Without these mentors, the program’s reach and depth are at serious risk.
“We know we’re delivering results, and we’re doing it in a way that’s incredibly efficient,” Pang explained. “When we think about investing in our children’s future, literacy is the foundation. You might not think about it every day, but you use reading and math constantly. These skills are everything.”
The loss of AmeriCorps mentors not only impacts students, but also teachers and schools who depend on the extra support to reach struggling readers.
United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra remains committed to continuing this vital work—despite setbacks—and is now calling on local communities, businesses, and individual donors to step up.
“Our children shouldn’t lose access to support that’s helping them succeed just because of a federal decision,” said Pang. “This is the moment to act. We need help to keep this program alive and growing.”
Insights to the Bigger Impact of Losing Federal Funds to the Northern Nevada Community
"We recognize that we're in the same boat as many of our partners and friends in the community," Pang shared. "There are countless organizations—right here in Reno—that have also relied heavily on federal funding to carry out their critical work. Now, with those funds gone or drastically reduced, everyone is turning to the same limited sources for support. Foundations, private donors, and philanthropic investors are all being approached more than ever, and those traditional funding streams are becoming increasingly crowded."