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…
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…
Racine, Wisconsin, sits on the shores of Lake Michigan just south of Milwaukee. A few decades ago, the region was a manufacturing powerhouse, creating auto parts and tractors. Since then, deindustrialization has taken a heavy toll. Meanwhile, the community has become more diverse, and racial economic and educational disparities are pronounced. To face these challenges,…
Spartanburg, South Carolina, is one of the nation’s fastest growing communities, home to seven postsecondary institutions and committed employers. Collaboration abounds. The city and county governments work closely with nonprofit organizations, businesses and community partners, and the seven school districts regularly collaborate and launch initiatives together. While there is much to celebrate, Spartanburg acknowledges that…
San Antonio, with a population of around 1.5 million residents, is the second most populous city in Texas and the seventh most populous in the United States. Its rich culture is heavily influenced by its diversity — particularly by its Latine and Indigenous populations. Alongside that diversity comes racial and ethnic disparities that affect young…
In the early morning of July 28, 2022, Eastern Kentucky woke to rising water. A historic flood was devastating the region. Families climbed to rooftops with pets and items they managed to save. Some waded in deep, murky waters or swam in places where the water was over neck high. Many describe the event as…
Located less than 40 miles south of Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Northfield, Minnesota is a town of about 21,000 residents. In 2017, fewer than half of Northfield’s kids were ready for kindergarten, and kindergarten readiness was at just 10% for Hispanic/Latine children. Disparities like these are what prompted the launch of Northfield Promise, a community movement dedicated…
In Dayton, Ohio, transformative change is creating more opportunities for young people. StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network member Learn to Earn Dayton is using data, collaborating across the community, and shifting power and resources to get better, more equitable outcomes. Learn to Earn Dayton has developed the region’s civic infrastructure — the connections between…
In Central Texas, Cradle to Career Network member E3 Alliance is transforming education systems through data and collaboration. Since 2006, E3 Alliance has worked with school districts, higher education institutions, businesses, nonprofits and policy leaders across the region. Now, their work has earned the Systems Transformation designation along the StriveTogether Theory of Action™. E3…
When we transform systems, we open pathways for youth to thrive. Systems transform when changes are embedded in a community and its institutions, creating permanent shifts to policies, practices, resources and power structures. The way a community works together leads to better outcomes for kids, especially for Black, Indigenous, Latine and Asian youth and…