ABOUT US
Cradle 2 Career is a community-wide initiative that works to improve educational outcomes for every child in Rochester by transforming the way partners work together.
From Birth to the Workforce
At Cradle 2 Career (C2C), we work toward a shared vision of citywide educational success – a Rochester in which all children and youth are realizing their goals.
We:
Use data to understand where gaps exist, to determine our strategies, and to track the progress we are making in critical milestones along a young person’s journey from birth to the workforce – from cradle to career.
Build relationships among organizations, institutions, agencies, and families to create a more equitable Rochester in which every young person can thrive
Amplify the voices of youth and families, listening to their lived experience and incorporating their perspectives.
Work toward a shared vision of citywide educational success – a Rochester in which all children and youth are realizing their goals.
MISSION
Cradle 2 Career mobilizes the community toward shared goals and actions, accelerating positive educational outcomes for Rochester’s children and youth.
VISION
Cradle 2 Career envisions a world where every child and young adult succeeds from cradle to career, through shared purpose, alignment, and accountability among community partners.
Our Journey
Where We Began
In 2016, Cradle 2 Career started with a simple question: “Are our education investments making a difference in kids’ lives?” Rochester Rotary and United Way of Olmsted County teamed up with other committed stakeholders to collaboratively influence education outcomes.
Where We Are Now
C2C includes a thriving team of seven backbone staff, a multi-sector Leadership Table, a parent council, three collaborative networks, and partners throughout the community who work to change systems and improve educational outcomes.
Rochester Area Foundation serves as our fiscal sponsor, and United Way of Olmsted County provides office and administrative support.
StriveTogether
We are a member of StriveTogether, a network of more than 70 communities throughout the U.S. using the collective impact model to improve outcomes for millions of children and youth. StriveTogether has recognized C2C as a “Sustaining” partnership for 2024.
Education Partnerships Coalition (EPC)
We are a proud part of the Education Partnerships Coalition (EPC). EPC is a collaboration of nine Minnesota cradle-to-career partnerships that work to eliminate opportunity gaps for more than 120,000 young people and their families throughout the state.
Where We Are Headed
C2C is working toward a Rochester where every child has every opportunity to succeed. We can only achieve our shared vision if we begin with shared understanding of how we are doing for our young people and families and how we work in partnership to reach our destination. Learn more about our approach, view our current data dashboards, and see a visual representation of how we move outcomes together.
Be Part of Our Story
Support Cradle2Career’s work on behalf of Rochester children.