November 30th, 2017
READY NEWS
News & resources from the Forum and the field about collaborative work to get young people ready by 21.

Northern Kentucky Education Council Hosts Champions of Education Summit
Leaders gathered in Northern Kentucky recently to learn about innovative initiatives taking place now in schools and to influence new regional goals. Over 300 thought leaders from the business, education and community sectors gathered to consider what can be accomplished with new collaborations and resources. The Forum's CEO and President, Karen Pittman, delivered the keynote of the full-day meeting, focusing on the importance of equity and readiness for the young people of Northern Kentucky.

"To maximize success for each and every one of our youth we know that education is not the sole responsibility of educators, nor is it the sole responsibility of parents," said Polly Lusk Page, executive director of the Northern Kentucky Education Council (NKYEC). "In Northern Kentucky we maintain the belief that it is the power of all of us working together."

Social and Emotional Learningsel
Aspen Institute National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development Convenes in Tacoma
The National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development recently met in Tacoma, Washington to delve deeper into Tacoma's unique story and community approach to supporting the whole student. Key elements of the convening included a local partnership discussion where partners described their relationship with Tacoma schools; school site visits where students and educators were given the opportunity to share their experiences with social and emotional learning; and conversations on measurement, equity, and policy strategies for effectively bringing social, emotional and academic learning to communities across the country.
Performance Measurement perf
Making an IMPACT in Massachusetts Bay
Performance measurement systems provide non-profits with the infrastructure necessary to collect and analyze data for continuous program improvement and accountability. Recognizing the need for better performance measurement practices and systems among their own grantees, State Street Foundation (SSF) teamed up with The United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley (United Way) in 2014 to launch a two-year capacity building effort called Intentionally Measuring Performance to Achieve Core Targets (IMPACT).

At its core, IMPACT was designed to provide 16 Boston-area youth- and adult-serving workforce development/education agencies technical assistance to enhance their ability to measure program outcomes, track operating metrics, and use data to inform programming and organizational decisions.

The Forum's Big Picture Approach Consulting team was brought on to help evaluate this initiative, and recently released a report on their findings. "Impact: Qualitative Evaluation of the Intentionally Measuring Performance to Achieve Core Targets (IMPACT) Initiative" highlighted the value of the technical assistance provided and improved data capabilities.

Registration Now Open for the 2018 Ready by 21 National Meeting
Registration is now open for the Ready by 21 National Meeting in Palm Beach County, Florida, on April 18-20, 2018. Register from now through Feb. 2 to lock in the early bird rate.

Now in its seventh year, the National Meeting brings together more than 500 local, state and national leaders who, like you, are committed to improving partnerships, policies and practices for children and youth. These leaders manage change at all levels - from state policy coordination and community-wide cradle-to-career efforts to out-of-school time systems, single-issue coalitions and neighborhood-based initiatives.

We hope to see you in Florida.

Program Funding Opportunityfunding
New Funding Opportunity Available for Collaborative Efforts that Foster Healthy Schools  
Are you interested in creating healthy schools for your community? Is your organization known for its ability to collaborate? Do you have a passion for creating the conditions for every child to have a healthy, successful life?

You may be eligible to apply for the America's Promise Healthy Schools Fund. Three to five two-year grants of up to $300,000 are available to districts and organizations that are working toward creating healthier school environments for all children. Applicants from 20 priority states are eligible. 
 
Recognizing that school-centered health intersects with many areas outside of education-housing, employment, transportation, and food access- as well as many audiences, we're looking for efforts that serve as a hub for cross-sector collaboration, youth and community engagement, and broader policy and systemic change.


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