As part of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut's Youth Opportunity impact area,
Student United Way helps high school students realize their full potential through leadership, service, and meaningful community engagement.
Students build new skills, connect with peers from across New London County, and discover how they can make a positive impact in their communities.
Two pathways. One purpose.
Whether you're passionate about community service and philanthropy or interested in strengthening your communication and leadership skills, Student United Way offers a pathway to help you grow.
Next Generation Philanthropy
Explore community needs, volunteer with local nonprofits, and work alongside fellow students to award funding that creates a real community impact.
Dialogue Leadership
Build the confidence and skills to navigate difficult conversations and develop the leadership skills to bring people together and strengthen your community.
Which pathway is right for you?
Check out our Student United Way Pathway Comparison Guide to find the pathway that's right for you.
2024-25 Student Highlights
2025 Dialogue Leadership
The application period for SUW - Next Generation Philanthropy is open!
If the form is not visible, Click here to apply! ->
No matter which pathway you choose, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Build leadership and communication skills
- Earn volunteer and community service hours
- Strengthen college, scholarship, and job applications
- Build your social network
- Gain real-world experience
- Make a positive impact in your community
Your involvement doesn't end when the program does.
Former Student United Way members can:
- Become a Student United Way Alumni Ambassador, continuing your Student United Way journey through expanded opportunities, responsibilities, and involvement with future cohorts.
- Join us with SUW-specific volunteer opportunities and initiatives during holiday and summer breaks.
- Volunteer at your choice of United Way events with other community volunteers. Learn more ->
- Look forward to participation in Young Leaders United, our Affinity group for supporters, ages 21-40. Learn more ->
For more information, contact Lisa Ann Curtis at 860-464-3314 or lisa.curtis@uwsect.org
"I found the meetings very interesting and was able to apply a lot of what I learned to volunteering in my own life."
"I learned how you should think about how other people think towards you and not just about yourself. Always care for others. These skills will be useful when I want to apply myself to other things in my career."
"I loved learning about the way volunteering truly impacts the community."
"I think a lot of high schoolers could benefit from the perspectives introduced through this program!"
"I learned how to communicate properly with people and learning how to better understand their point of views and how to come to an agreement and not just have a whole bunch of chaos."
"I learned a lot- I never realized that people struggled with things like the snap benefits and how much money they had to live off of."
"It opened my eyes to so much and allowed me to push through my own thinking."
"I learned that even in disagreements, there is always an agreement that we can have with someone else There is always something in common, even though we might have different viewpoints about certain situations."
"I definitely thought that it was fun interacting with the other students who had the common interest of helping the community."
"One thing that surprised me was learning about food insecurity and touring and volunteering at the food center. I was so surprised at how much food there was to help our community."
"I learned from this program that not everybody has the same opinion, and even if you guys disagree on a topic, that's okay, and there's nothing wrong with that."
"I learned I shouldn't be afraid to share my stories, especially with people my age."
"I was surprised about how many people came to the mobile food pantry... It opened my eyes to how many people benefit from UW programs."
Student United Way Shorts
17 Participating Schools
Become a program sponsor. Make a donation. Be the change.
Student united way is possible because of generous community partners, sponsors, and donors who believe in investing in young people.
Whether you're an individual, business, school, or community organization, there are many ways to support the next generation of leaders.
If interested, you may also partner with United Way. Learn more!
If you are not seeing the form below, click here to donate and/or sponsor Student United Way >>
United Way Southeastern Connecticut is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all
students on all paths.
Whether you are college-bound, career-bound, or still deciding on future plans, all are welcome at Student United Way.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to the organizations and individuals whose support makes Student United Way possible.
