San Bernardino, CA – Arrowhead United Way invites parents and their children, grandparents and their grandchildren, and the community to visit the first Born Learning Trail in the Inland Empire located at Glen Helen Regional Park in San Bernardino.

Unfortunately, a 2009 study from the National Center for Education Statistics found that children living in poverty are less likely to have someone read to them, tell them stories or sing to them.  Additionally, research indicates that disadvantaged children come into school years behind their peers in pre-literacy skills, and rarely catch up.

The Born Learning Trail is a fun and easy way to build learning as parents, grandparents, and children play and explore together.  The Born Learning program encourages early learning around language and literacy skills, in everyday activities to better prepare children for school.

“The Born Learning trail allows parents and young children to play, explore and learn together,” stated Chris Alonso, Born Learning Specialist for Arrowhead United Way, “the activities along the trial help children identify letters, shapes and numbers, helping them to be better prepared for school and life.”

Arrowhead United Way partnered with First 5 San Bernardino, San Bernardino County Regional Parks, The Home Depot and Kohl’s to bring the Born Learning Trail to the Inland Empire.  The Born Learning Trail was installed by 35 volunteers from the Kohl’s E-Commerce Center and the local community.

A second Born Learning Trail is scheduled to be installed in June 2011 in Crestline, CA.

For more information about the Born Learning program please contact Chris Alonso at (909) 884-9441 ext. 237 or ChrisA@ahuw.org.

AUW is a volunteer driven organization that actively supports health and human services by focusing on education, income, and health.  These services address the underlying causes of the community’s issues and create lasting change.  The organization was established in 1891 and is led by prominent respected community leaders; it is one of the oldest United Ways in the country.

AUW encourages individuals to become more involved in the community by giving, advocating, and volunteering.  For more information about how to become involved with AUW, please call (909) 884-9441 or visit www.ArrowheadUnitedWay.org.