Life success begins long before a child walks into their first classroom. From birth to age 5, children’s earliest experiences are the foundation for learning, well-being and long-term opportunity. Kindergarten readiness shows whether young children have had the environments, supports and opportunities they need to thrive. When children start school ready to learn, they’re more…
Postsecondary completion is one of the most direct paths to economic mobility. A degree or credential opens doors to higher wages, better health and more stable futures. Research shows completion dramatically boosts lifetime earnings and job security. Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce estimates that associate degree holders earn about $400,000 more over…
Across the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network, communities are proving that collaboration is a system for change. By aligning data, policy and people, they’re building civic infrastructure that turns shared accountability into measurable results for children and families. As more states and communities recognize the power of place-based partnerships, the Cradle to Career Network is…
In eastern Kentucky, Morgan Riffe saw what it meant for a community to show up for its own. Teachers, mentors and local programs gave her tools to succeed and reminded her that her dreams mattered. Now, as a first-year medical resident, Morgan is preparing to give back by serving the community that helped her grow. …
Wisconsin’s Big Win for Early Childhood In July 2025, Wisconsin took a bold step toward giving more children the strong start they deserve. The state’s biennial budget includes nearly $380 million in new investments to strengthen early care and education and expand evidence-based literacy instruction. This historic win is the result of years of aligned…
Across the country, communities in the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network are working to put more young people on a path to economic mobility. 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 takes a closer look at one of these key…
At StriveTogether’ 2025 Policy Summit, four youth leaders shared how they are shaping education policy in their communities. During the Perspectives from Youth Leading Change panel, these leaders demonstrated that when young people are supported and trusted, they lead meaningful change. Moderated by Rob Watson of the EdRedesign Lab at Harvard, the conversation lifted up…
Across the country, communities in the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network are working to put more young people on a path to economic mobility. 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 in-depth look at one of these…