BELLINGHAM - United Way of Whatcom County is accepting proposals for early literacy projects.

People can learn more at an information session at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, in the United Way office, 1511 Cornwall Ave.

The nonprofit will award up to $25,000 for the new initiative, marking the first time it is asking for proposals to tackle a specific issue affecting the community, according to a United Way news release.

United Way is working with other agencies to improve the on-time high school graduation rate in Whatcom County, which, at 78 percent, places Whatcom in the bottom third of Washington state counties.

Children who enter kindergarten prepared to read are more likely to graduate from high school on time, according to the news release.

Proposals are due by Dec. 5 and must focus on children in the preschool years - defined as birth to kindergarten age.

Details and to RSVP for the Nov. 18 session: Call 360-733-8670.

Grant guidelines are at unitedwaywhatcom.org.