Kindergarten Readiness: Boston Opportunity Agenda leads collaborative action toward equitable education

Across the country, communities in the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network are working to put more young people on a path to economic mobility by addressing barriers to equitable outcomes. StriveTogether’s seven cradle-to-career outcome areas are critical milestones that shape a child’s educational journey and future success. Each post in this series will provide an…

Policy as catalyst: Disrupting inequities in Tennessee

Memphis and Shelby County, in Tennessee, make up a region steeped in rich cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit. Amidst this cultural wealth, the region has demonstrated resilience in overcoming longstanding systemic inequities within its educational landscape. While historical legacies of school segregation persist, the community is actively addressing these challenges, fostering a collective determination…

Redefining educational success in Connecticut

In Stamford, Connecticut, the Stamford Cradle to Career Partnership (SC2C) is a model of collaborative efforts, dedicated to advancing equitable life outcomes. This Cradle to Career Network member, recently awarded the Systems Change designation along the StriveTogether Theory of Action™, has played a pivotal role in mobilizing partners, building relationships and providing essential support to…

Using data to transform futures in Dallas, Texas

Across Dallas County, The Commit Partnership is championing a comprehensive approach to ensure every child is successful from cradle to career. Through strategic initiatives spanning early childhood, K-12 education, and postsecondary and workforce readiness, Commit has emerged as a catalyst for equitable data use and transformative change, driving significant improvements in life outcomes. Now, their work has…

Four high school graduates sit in a row, smiling at the camera. They're wearing green caps and gowns.

Three keys to improving postsecondary and workforce outcomes for youth

Across the country, members of the Cradle to Career Network are working to reduce barriers to postsecondary success for students in their communities. Here are three insights into how they’re getting results: Make data accessible and actionable. Using data to make informed decisions and improve strategies is critical to getting better outcomes for students. Cradle…

Kids sitting criss cross applesauce at graduate tacoma

Updates to our approach: Defining systems transformation and more

The StriveTogether Theory of Action™ guides the Cradle to Career Network in building the civic infrastructure required to improve outcomes for youth and families. The nationally validated framework is the foundation of the Network’s approach. Over the years, the Network has taken a continuous improvement approach, revising the theory of action periodically to reflect insights…

Cross-sector infrastructure creates the foundation for systems change

To change the systems that serve youth and families, we can’t rely on one organization. True systems transformation requires collaboration from all aspects of the community — health, education, housing, public safety and more. When these sectors build partnerships around shared goals and accountability, powerful local change is possible. The three stories below show how…

‘Create opportunity and then get out of the way’: Insights from equity work in Minnesota

Northfield Promise, a StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network member in Northfield, Minn., launched a Racial Equity Team in late 2019 to create an equitable environment for young people and families. Despite the obstacles of 2020, they made important strides in their first year. Here are three key insights from their work: Start with youth. The…