CRADLE TO CAREER OUTCOMES-2

When young people reach key academic milestones, known as “cradle-to-career outcomes,” they are more likely to succeed in life and career, feel strong, make their own choices, and feel important in their communities. Each of these cradle-to-career milestones builds upon the last, creating a foundation for future success and economic mobility. 

For example, high-quality early learning prepares children to start kindergarten ready to thrive, leading to strong reading skills by third grade. And the ability to read well by third grade is a powerful predictor of success in both school and life. Both contribute to a young person’s ability to graduate - a milestone that is one of the greatest predictors of economic mobility.

However, when these milestones are missed, the gap widens between those who have the support they need to succeed and those who face challenges at these critical milestones, making the road to success even steeper.

Our community, led by United Way of Central Minnesota, wants to change this by improving the systems that help kids and families - ensuring that all children have the chance to succeed. 

We’re working together with schools, local governments, and community organizations to improve systems and create pathways for all young people to achieve their goals, from early childhood through school and into their careers. By addressing inequities and focusing on seven key goals, we aim to empower young people to succeed and achieve greater economic mobility for themselves and their communities.

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Kindergarten Readiness

Why This Benchmark Matters: Investing in and making sure young children have access to licensed professionals before kindergarten is important for helping them be ready for school. High-quality early childhood education helps children develop well and creates a strong foundation for their future learning. When kids get a good start in early education, it greatly helps their success in school later on. 


About The Measure: United Way of Central Minnesota uses data from the Early Childhood Experiences with a Licensed Provider Survey, which is conducted by local public school districts upon Kindergarten enrollment.

Data Coming Soon

four children working with a teacher

Early Grade Reading

Why This Benchmark Matters: Early-grade reading is an important indicator of both academic and social success, as it affects a student’s future learning and behavior. Communities must work together to ensure all students, especially those facing challenges, have access to the support and resources they need to become proficient readers by third grade.


About The Measure: United Way of Central Minnesota uses data from the Minnesota Report Card to measure the percentage of students proficient in third-grade reading on state accountability tests in local public school districts across the region.

 

two students learning math

Middle Grade Math

Why This Benchmark Matters: Middle-grade math proficiency is a key indicator of both academic success and future life outcomes, influencing opportunities in high school, college, and careers. Communities should focus on ensuring all students, especially those facing barriers, have access to the resources and support they need to succeed in math and pursue advanced coursework.


About The Measure: United Way of Central Minnesota uses data from the Minnesota Report Card to measure the percentage of students proficient in eighth-grade mathematics on state accountability tests in local public school districts across the region.

 

high school graduate walking away

High School Graduation

Why This Benchmark Matters: High school graduation is a key indicator of academic and social success, leading to better health, lower incarceration rates, and improved economic opportunities. Communities must work together to ensure all students, particularly those facing barriers, have the support and resources they need to graduate on time and be prepared for future education or careers.


About The Measure: United Way of Central Minnesota uses data from the Minnesota Report Card to measure the percentage of students who graduate within 4-year and 7-year terms from local public school districts in the region.

 

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Postsecondary Enrollment

Why This Benchmark Matters: Postsecondary enrollment is a key indicator of future academic and economic success, opening doors to higher wages, career advancement, and greater social mobility. Communities must work to eliminate barriers to enrollment, providing all students, especially those facing challenges, with the resources and support they need to pursue higher education and secure opportunities for their future.

 

About The Measure: United Way of Central Minnesota uses data from the Minnesota Report Card to measure the postsecondary enrollment indicator, which tracks the number of public high school graduates in the region who enroll in postsecondary education and the number who complete 30 or more semester credits within the first 16 months.




Woman in lab coat working in a lab

Postsecondary Attainment

Why This Benchmark Matters: Postsecondary completion is a key indicator of long-term academic and economic success, leading to higher earnings, better health, and stronger community involvement. Communities must work together to remove barriers and provide targeted support, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to successfully complete their college education and achieve better life outcomes.

About The Measure: United Way of Central Minnesota uses data from the National Clearinghouse to measure 

Data Coming Soon