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The Power of Striving Together

Picture of Cheryl Grogg

Cheryl Grogg

Program Manager, Data and Grant Integration

Last week I had the opportunity to attend my first StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network Convening. On my flight to Atlanta, I kept thinking about the state of our world and how divided it has become. I was feeling bogged down in the uncertainty that each day brings and wondering if the work that I am contributing to is really moving the needle toward making the world a better place. However, being in a room with over 650 like-minded people changed my outlook by my flight home. I left with a reinvigorated belief that my work is vital to the change I hope to see in the world. Here are a few key truths that I learned at the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network Convening that brought me to that resurgence of hope.

You bring your knowledge and experience to the table.

Everyone in attendance at the Cradle to Career Convening had a different background that led them to their role. There was a former healthcare worker who is focusing on youth mental health and the power of education in helping youth find purpose, a former preschool teacher who is passionate about tracking student progress and found her way into tracking progress for all outcomes, and a former journalist who is now leading an organization, creating incredible partnerships, and helping shape sustainable models. These are just a few of the interactions that helped me to see that my unique background of being a former math teacher and ed tech professional is valuable as this work is people first work. The difference in our skills makes us able to see things from different angles and contribute in unparalleled ways.

You are not alone in this work.

Sometimes the work we do, although it is work about, with, and for people, can feel siloed. We each have tasks that need to be accomplished for our individual organizations. It is easy to feel stuck or frustrated within your role. However, in Atlanta we had the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations across the country that are engaged in similar work. The opportunity to network and build relationships with others in comparable roles was an invaluable experience – fostering professional growth and a shared sense of purpose. Instead of spinning my wheels when challenges arise, I now know exactly where to turn to for insight, support, and proven strategies.

Your impact adds to the collective impact.

Each piece of our partnership is moving outcomes forward. Small steps toward individualized goals help each rural student succeed. Together we are making a difference across Appalachian Kentucky. We had the opportunity to hear specifically about how the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership fits in with Kentucky’s bigger vision for youth when we heard Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman speak on a panel. She said “The future of the American economy is in our classrooms today.” We are striving together to give every student the opportunity to choose a career pathway and thrive within it. The impact our partnership makes is in lockstep with not just the state of Kentucky, but so many other organizations across the United States. It was so powerful to hear about the great work that is being done through organizations like United Way of Central Minnesota, Generation Next, St. Paul Promise Neighborhood, Promise Partnership Utah, Baltimore’s Promise, Learn to Earn Dayton, Higher Expectations for Racine County, and so many others. Through our collective impact, the future looks bright. We are creating system changes nationwide that will help every student succeed. This is the power of StriveTogether.