The United Way of America today announced a 10-year effort that focuses on three goals: improving the health, education and finances of working families across the country.

At a conference in Baltimore attended by officials from 500 local United Ways and other organizations, the national association announced the following goals it hopes to reach by 2018:

• Cut in half high school dropout rates across the United States
• Cut in half the number of families with working parents who do not earn enough to cover the family’s basic expenses
• Increase by 1/3 the number of Americans who are healthy and avoid risky behaviors

Brian A. Gallagher, President of the United Way of America elaborated about the framework that people need a quality education that will lead to a stable job that will provide income to give them good health and support their family. To keep track of progress towards fulfillment of the goals, United Way will provide updates every two years.

Gallagher believes that health, education, and fitness are important in shaping a good life. Once the basic needs like food and shelter are attained, a person should be able to exceed further through education. This is primary target the United Way of America proposed. Furthermore, charity and philanthropy is not enough to bring the country back to its shape.

In addition, Gallagher said he expects that most existing recipients of United Way funds will be able to qualify for continued aid under one of them. For example, a group that helps the elderly can focus on those who are working but are in financial straits. However, he said, many charities will have to change their approach.

Reducing the dropout rates in high schools will maximize the chances of graduates to apply for good jobs and take higher studies. America needs an adept and skilled workforce to survive and avoid this kind of crisis in the future.