Change is most effective when we follow the lead of the stories, experiences, and data shared by communities. Across the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network, we use this information to illuminate challenges, guide conversations and make decisions to get to better outcomes for children and families.

Every year, the Cradle to Career Network provides transformative insights into the work happening in communities across the country through our Civic Infrastructure Assessment. The assessment gives us data on the sustainability and reach of the Network, along with rich narratives about progress and challenges related to systems transformation and the many ways to achieve equitable outcomes.

Our data analysis revealed insights around the journey toward systems transformation, racial equity in the Network and staff, and financial sustainability. We’re excited to share what we’re learning with policymakers and other organizations looking to make an impact in communities. We’ll also use these insights to better support the Network through offerings and targeted supports, helping communities ensure the success of every child, cradle to career.

Network members shared their progress in shifting policies, practices, resources, and power structures to Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian youth and families and those experiencing poverty. Throughout the pandemic, network members were successful in balancing immediate needs relating to COVID-19 with the long-term vision of systems change.

In 2020, we saw network members brokering the allocation of CARES Act and other COVID-19-related funding to ensure it reached those who needed it most. We saw them facilitate school reopening plans with Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian youth and families at the center.

Read the full article about data and progress by Nicole Capó Martínez at StriveTogether.