Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Higher Expectations for Racine County
Legal Name (if Different): United Way of Racine County
Also Known As: Higher Expectations for Racine County
Mailing Address: 300 5th St.
City: Racine
State: WI
Postal Code: 53403
Main Phone: 2625014403
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.higherexpectationsracinecounty.org/
Employer ID Number: 39-0806349
Organization Tax Status: Fiscally Sponsored 501(3)c

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/2/2026
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Parent Grade Level Leads
Project Description:

Parent Grade Level Leads (PGLs) is a family engagement strategy designed to strengthen the connection between home and school so more students in Racine Unified School District can succeed. With only 28% of third graders reading at grade level and 19% of eighth graders meeting math benchmarks, the district faces persistent academic gaps. Breaks in instruction widen these gaps, and many families—especially those navigating economic barriers—struggle to support learning at home under new instructional models. PGLs address this challenge by lifting up parents as partners, leaders, and advocates in their children’s education.

Each PGL is a parent trained in leadership, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making. Assigned to their child’s grade level, PGLs work closely with teachers, attend grade-level meetings, and help plan and co‑facilitate parent engagement activities. Their core role is simple but powerful: helping other parents understand what their children are learning and how to reinforce that learning at home. As one PGL shared, “A parent who helps other parents.” This peer-to-peer model builds trust, reduces barriers to participation, and creates a welcoming bridge between families and school staff.

The centerpiece of the strategy is monthly Lunch & Learn sessions, where families gather in classrooms to share a meal, learn about grade-level goals, and participate in hands-on activities aligned to classroom instruction. These events have transformed engagement at Knapp Elementary. Attendance has nearly tripled—from 26–40% during the Spring 2025 pilot to 74–85% in Fall 2025—and surveys show 94–100% of families find the sessions highly engaging and want more opportunities to participate. Parents are stepping into leadership roles, volunteering more often, and expressing greater confidence in supporting their children’s learning.

Total Project Budget: $85,316

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Racine Unfied Partnership Fee, Title I/IV dollars, Aurora Healthcare Grant, Twin Disc Community Investment

Project Duration: Sept 2026-May 2027
Geographical Area Served: Racine Unified School District
Age Group To Be Served: students age 4-11, and their parents 25-50

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Elizabeth
Contact Last Name: Erickson
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 2625014403
Contact Email: elizabeth.erickson@career2cradle.org