Home - Cradle 2 Career

Cradle 2 Career brings together people and groups across the community to:

Eliminate education disparities

Eliminate racial inequities

Advocate for systems-level change

We believe children in Rochester of every identity deserve a high-quality educational experience.

WHAT IS CRADLE 2 CAREER?

Cradle 2 Career is a community-wide, community-owned initiative dedicated to educational equity. This comprehensive, cooperative, evidence-based approach to address education gaps is new in Rochester. It is based on the work of StriveTogether, a national organization that developed this collaboration model focused on using local data to make smarter decisions.

OUR ROLE:

AN ADVOCATE & CONVENER:

Cradle 2 Career convenes partners, supports their work, and ensures that students and parents are part of the discussion and valued participants. We guide these groups to develop action plans to close education gaps and improve racial inequities.

A DATA EXPERT:

Cradle 2 Career data analysts compile, analyze and share local data that highlights the challenges that interfere with education. Local partner organizations use this information to make better-informed decisions to increase opportunities for children in Rochester of all identities.

AN INFORMATION RESOURCE:

Cradle 2 Career is an information clearinghouse, providing trusted information, tools, and other education resources for students, families, teachers, community organizations, and community leaders to support the academic success of children.

Our Story

C2C Begins with a Question

November 1, 2016

In 2016, Rochester Rotary and United Way of Olmsted County asked “Are our education investments making a difference in kids’ lives?” They decided the answer could be better. Fast forward, and Cradle 2 Career is an emerging StriveTogether community, making a collective impact on the lives of Rochester’s youth.

C2C Joins Minnesota Coalition

January 1, 2018

In 2018, we became members of The Education Partnerships Coalition. The coalition takes a birth-to-career approach to eliminating Minnesota’s worst-in-the-nation opportunity gaps. We are grateful to continuously work alongside Austin Aspires, Every Hand Joined (Red Wing), Generation Next (Twin Cities), Northfield Promise, Northside Achievement Zone (Minneapolis), United Way of Central Minnesota (St. Cloud area), and Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood.

C2C Convenes Kindergarten and High School Partners

June 10, 2019

In 2019, Cradle 2 Career launched two networks of community partners: Kindergarten Readiness and High School Graduation. Goal of the Kindergarten Readiness network: All children are ready to succeed in Kindergarten. Goal of the High School Graduation network: All students graduation high school ready for their next step.

C2C Hosts Annual Community Convenings

October 14, 2020

In 2020, Cradle 2 Career hosted our first annual convening. This initiative is by our community, for our community; therefore, we must work together with parents, educators, businesses, and civic leaders to close disparity gaps and help all children succeed. Watch recordings of past convenings and join us next time!

C2C Helps Roll Out Shared Data Management Platform

May 4, 2021

In 2021, R-STORY (Reaching Shared Technology & Outcomes for Rochester Youth) entered the first roll-out stage. This shared data management system integrates school-based data with data provided by partner organizations. Cradle 2 Career provides project management and systems administration for R-STORY, allowing us to tailor programs that serve youth, demonstrate the impact of our work, and zoom out to see the big picture with regards to youth outcomes and services in our community.

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