Data use is one of the most powerful tools a community has for improving outcomes for children and families — especially when communities know how to collect it, share it and act on it together. At StriveTogether, evidence-based decision making is the practice of collecting, analyzing and acting on information. It’s how communities understand which children are missing out on opportunities, which…
Employment is the critical milestone in StriveTogether’s cradle-to-career continuum and one of the most important. It reflects whether young people can turn years of education and hard work into stable, meaningful careers that support long-term economic mobility. For communities across the country, closing the gap between education and good jobs requires more than individual effort. It takes coordinated…
Across the country, communities have made real progress in helping more students graduate from high school and enroll in college. Houston is no exception. There, nearly half of high school graduates enroll in a postsecondary program within two years, reflecting years of effort from educators, families and students. This progress is reflected in strong outcomes at key transition points. In 2023, 81% of…
At a time when many young people are still exploring what comes next, Kristian Charles is already building a career in advanced manufacturing. He works as a welder at Athena Manufacturing, part of a growing industry in Central Texas that offers strong wages and opportunities for advancement. Just a few years ago, he was in…
For years, Promise Partnership Utah has been working to improve outcomes for young people across the state. As a place-based partnership, they help align partners around shared goals, connect data across systems and support communities in building solutions that last. Their work focuses on key milestones like early literacy, middle grade math and postsecondary pathways,…
Employment is the final milestone in StriveTogether’s cradle-to-career continuum. It builds on the education and development outcomes that come before it and reflects whether people are able to turn that progress into stable, meaningful work that supports long-term economic mobility. Economic success means having a job that provides enough income and assets to meet basic needs and support long-term well-being.…
In Kent County, Michigan, community leaders share a clear goal: to ensure that all young people in Kent County graduate from high school ready for whatever comes next. High school graduation is one of the most important milestones on the path to opportunity and economic mobility. Students who earn a diploma are more likely to enroll…
For a student like Hector, the commitment to graduation became real at Cottonwood High School. As a ninth grader, school did not feel connected to his future. Late nights made it difficult to sleep and Hector began missing class regularly. Over time, he grew disconnected from school. Today, Hector is focused on graduation. He wants to walk…
Why High School Graduation Matters High school graduation is a key milestone on the path to economic mobility. During high school, students transition from building foundational skills to applying them in ways that prepare them for postsecondary education, workforce training and careers. When students graduate on time, they’re more likely to access the education and…
How Cradle to Career Muncie aligned schools, community partners and data to drive measurable gains In Muncie, Indiana, educational attainment has long been closely tied to economic opportunity and the strength of the community as a whole. As workforce demands increasingly require education or credentials beyond high school, gaps in attainment have limited access to…
At the start of kindergarten, many students are just beginning to recognize letters. Some are learning to write their names for the first time. By the end of the year, many of those same students are reading sight words, writing complete sentences and participating with confidence. The change is measurable and meaningful. For Sabrina Mayberry,…
Why Early Grade Reading Matters Early grade reading is a gateway to economic opportunity. In the early elementary years, students transition from learning to read to reading to learn, a shift that determines whether they can fully access the knowledge and skills needed to stay on a path toward long-term opportunity. Students who read proficiently…