United for Education

Since 1923, United Way of Santa Barbara County has been a key leader in local efforts to empower children, families, and communities. Today, United Way serves Santa Barbara through its own unique collaborative programs, initiatives, and partnerships. Together with its dedicated network of partners, United Way focuses on preparing children for academic success, empowering families to be financially stable, and leading efforts that help our communities recover in times of crisis. To learn more, please visit www.unitedwaysb.org 
 
Throughout its years of service, UC Santa Barbara has been a key partner with United Way, helping to build brighter futures for local students and families through United Way’s direct services and programs like the United Learning Center and the Fun in the Sun summer learning program. In line with UC Santa Barbara’s own commitment to building stronger foundations for academic success, the organization works alongside United Way to create opportunities and expand access for the next generation of students here in our own community. UC Santa Barbara’s annual campaign “United for Education” gives university employees the opportunity to further this mission through the work of United Way by contributing their time, talents, and/or financial support.

The UCSB United Way Committee stands with you, United for Education. 

Letter From Chancellor Assanis

Dear Members of the UC Santa Barbara Community,,

For more than a century, United Way of Santa Barbara County has been working in partnership with local organizations to support our community in building a stronger, more resilient future for all. UC Santa Barbara is proud to be part of this enduring legacy as the host of the longest-running United Way workplace campaign in Santa Barbara County.

United Way’s impact spans three key focus areas – Academic Achievement, Financial Empowerment, and Crisis Response and Recovery – each providing meaningful and lasting benefits to our community. Programs like Fun in the Sun, the United Learning Center, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance provide critical resources and tools to help children and families build stronger foundations for future success.

UC Santa Barbara’s annual United Way Campaign, “United for Education,” will take place January 14 through March 6, 2026. This year’s theme continues to highlight the vital role education plays in shaping opportunity and emphasizes the importance of literacy and academic success for our youth. As these efforts continue to grow, our collective support is essential to sustaining and strengthening this important work. Throughout the campaign, we’ll have the opportunity to come together and raise funds through annual traditions such as Candy Grams and the Bean Bag Toss Tournament.

There are many ways to contribute to the United Way Campaign, whether it is through service or financial support, including by signing up for payroll deduction in the “Gauchos Give $5” challenge. To learn more about UC Santa Barbara’s United Way Campaign, please visit www.dia.ucsb.edu/unitedway.

Every gift, no matter the form, has a meaningful impact and is sincerely appreciated.

With gratitude,

Dennis Assanis, Chancellor