Merger unites regional efforts for greater impact on student literacy and success.
Austin, TX — United Way for Greater Austin is proud to announce the transition of leadership for the Greater Austin Reading Coalition (GARC) to E3 Alliance, marking an exciting new chapter in the region’s collective commitment to early literacy.
Launched in 2021 by United Way, GARC was created to unite schools, nonprofits, libraries, parents, and community leaders around a shared vision: every child reading on grade level by the end of third grade. Since its inception, the coalition has convened more than 31 partners, distributed over 168,000 books to young readers, and celebrated the first-ever city-wide Literacy Day with an official proclamation.
“As the coalition has grown, we want to ensure it thrives in its next chapter,” said Michelle Hutson-Crawford, Director of K-3 Education at United Way for Greater Austin. “E3 Alliance has been a vital partner since the beginning, and we’re confident this transition will bring the infrastructure and data-driven strategy needed to scale our impact.”
E3 Alliance, a regional education collaborative, brings deep expertise in systems change and data integration across early childhood, PK-12, postsecondary, and workforce outcomes. Their longstanding commitment to equity, family engagement, and community collaboration aligns with GARC’s mission.
“I am deeply grateful for the incredible work United Way has accomplished alongside the coalition,” said Nwando Clyburn, Director of Learning Foundations at E3 Alliance. “This collaboration has laid a strong foundation, and I am hopeful for the continued efforts and partnerships with our diverse coalition members as we move forward together.”
This transition from United Way for Greater Austin to E3 Alliance reinforces the coalition’s commitment to reducing disparities and ensuring every child in Central Texas has the opportunity to succeed through literacy.
For more information please contact: Michelle Hutson-Crawford Director of K-3 Education | United Way for Greater Austin michelle.hutson-crawford@uwatx.org | unitedwayaustin.org | @unitedwayatx Nwando Clyburn Director of Learning Foundations | E3 Alliance nclyburn@e3alliance.org | e3alliance.org | @e3alliance
About E3 Alliance: E3 Alliance is a nationally recognized, data-driven education collaborative and solutions provider based in Central Texas. We work across the state to transform education systems through data and collaboration, so all students succeed. We also work to increase economic mobility and the overall quality of life for our community through education system alignment from pre-K to the workforce. Founded in 2006, we are a leader in collective impact, collaborating with 15 Central Texas school districts, seven higher education institutions, and numerous businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, policy leaders, students, and families.
About E3 Alliance Data and Trends Portal: The E3 Alliance Data and Trends Portal offer comprehensive insights into education outcomes across Central Texas and specific Texas regions and legislative districts. It provides educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community members with actionable data on trends that impact students, families, and the economy. Building on the Central Texas Education Profile since 2007, the portal delivers a thorough, regional assessment of educational trends and outcomes throughout Texas.
About United Way for Greater Austin brings our community together to break economic barriers and build opportunity for all. All of our strategic, evidence-based work – from leading community coalitions, to funding nonprofit partners, to running proven programs – is aligned to achieve this singular goal.