United Way seeks applications from students for new program

Yahoo! News - Apr 9th, 2025

United Way of Southeastern Connecticut has introduced a new initiative aimed at teaching high school students the art of constructive dialogue. The Constructive Dialogue Collaborative Program is designed to help young people engage with peers from diverse backgrounds, focusing on collaboration rather than confrontation. According to Dina Sears-Graves, president and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, the program equips students with critical thinking skills and fosters empathy and understanding. Participants will learn to navigate social and political divides, paving the way for community building and personal growth. Additionally, the program offers a $100 incentive, a certificate of completion, and a letter of recommendation to aid in academic and career pursuits.

This initiative is significant as it addresses the growing need for effective communication and understanding among diverse groups in society. By targeting high school students, the program aims to instill these values and skills early, potentially influencing future leaders and community members. The effort highlights United Way's commitment to fostering inclusive communities and preparing youth for success in college and careers. The program's application deadline is April 21, emphasizing the importance of timely engagement for interested students. Such initiatives could serve as a model for other regions seeking to bridge social divides and promote dialogue in educational settings.

Diversity United Way Of Southeastern Connecticut Dina Sears Graves Constructive Dialogue Collaborative Program High School Students Critical Thinking Empathy Community Building

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RATING

6.4

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a clear and timely overview of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut's new program aimed at fostering constructive dialogue among high school students. It effectively communicates the program's objectives and benefits, making it accessible to a general audience. However, the story could benefit from additional sources and perspectives to enhance its balance and credibility. While the article addresses a topic of public interest, it lacks depth in terms of transparency and engagement, which could limit its impact and reader interaction. Overall, the article serves as a good introduction to the program but would benefit from more detailed exploration and verification of its claims.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports on United Way of Southeastern Connecticut's new program, providing specific details about its objectives and benefits. However, verification is needed for several claims, such as the program's launch, the incentives offered, and the application deadline. The story's accuracy is supported by the mention of Dina Sears-Graves, the organization's president and CEO, which lends credibility. Nonetheless, the lack of direct quotes or links to official statements or documents slightly diminishes the precision and verifiability of the claims.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and its president, Dina Sears-Graves. While it highlights the program's positive aspects, it lacks alternative viewpoints or critical perspectives that could provide a more balanced view. There is no mention of potential challenges or criticisms of the program, which could lead to a one-sided portrayal. Including comments from educators, students, or community members would have enriched the narrative by offering diverse perspectives.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it easy to understand for a general audience. The information is presented logically, with a focus on the program's objectives and benefits. However, the lack of detailed explanations or examples of how the program will be implemented could affect comprehension for readers seeking deeper insights. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and effectively communicates the main points.

Source quality

The story cites a credible organization, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, and its president, Dina Sears-Graves. However, it does not include a variety of sources or external references that could enhance the story's credibility. The reliance on a single source limits the depth of the reporting and leaves questions about potential biases or conflicts of interest unaddressed. Additional sources, such as educational experts or independent organizations, would have strengthened the article's reliability.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of providing clear methodologies or context for the claims made. While it mentions the program's goals and benefits, it does not explain how these outcomes will be achieved or measured. The absence of links to official documents or statements from United Way limits the reader's ability to verify the information independently. Providing more background on the program's development and its expected impact would enhance transparency.