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impact

Jan 2024-July 2025

LETTERFROMLEADERSHIP

Dear Stamford Cradle to Career Partners and Community Members,

Over the past 18 months, Stamford Cradle to Career (SC2C) has remained steadfast in our mission to align systems and support the success of every child in Stamford—from cradle to career. With the ongoing collaboration of over 60 partner organizations, the guidance of our Executive Team, and the dedicated backbone support of the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut, we continue to meet the moment—adapting, advocating, and advancing toward a more equitable future for all families in our community.

This period has been marked by tremendous momentum. In Spring 2024, we welcomed national thought leader Richard Harwood to our “Better Together” Annual Partner Convening, where we deepened our commitment to civic engagement as a driver of community-led change. Building on that energy, our 2025 Convening, held at our valued corporate partner Synchrony and titled “One Mission, Many Hands,” reinforced our use of data to inform collaborative solutions across Stamford’s local ecosystem. These events reflect the heart of our work: bringing people together to act with shared purpose.

This spirit of partnership also powered one of our most significant advocacy wins—securing universal no-cost school meals for Stamford students. Through a united effort involving the Board of Education, Stamford Public Schools, the Mayor’s Office, and many committed partner organizations, we successfully advocated at both the state and municipal levels.

The result was a vital local budget reallocation that ensures all students have access to healthy meals at school—an achievement especially meaningful in today’s uncertain economic climate.

Our Full-Service Community Schools strategy continues to thrive at Dolan and Rippowam Middle Schools. In collaboration with Stamford Public Schools, this initiative has supported students and families with increased access to enrichment opportunities, a stronger sense of school fit, and a reduction in school suspensions—demonstrating the value of integrated services and community care.

As we reflect on our journey from January 2024 to July 2025, we are proud of how far we’ve come—and even more hopeful about where we’re going. Together, we are ensuring that every student in Stamford is prepared to enter Kindergarten, reading on grade level by 3rd grade, graduating high school, and has a path toward economic mobility.

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and belief in the power of collective impact.

With deep gratitude,

Edith Presley President Stamford Cradle to Career

Our Vision

All Stamford youth succeed in education, career and life.

Our Mission

To collectively align community resources to ensure equity and excellence in education, for every child, from cradle to career.

SO FAR OURSTORY STATEMENT ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

At Stamford Cradle to Career, we believe civic engagement is not just a value—it is a vital strategy in achieving lasting, equitable change for children and families. From our Youth Voice Project to our candidate forums and budget workshops, we are committed to increasing the visibility and legibility of how decisions are made and how public resources are allocated. Because when families are provided space to engage, advocate, and lead, we move closer to a future where all children can thrive.

Events Held In Our Community

15,034

People Reached Through Our Work

154 Events Hours Of Outreach In Our Community

244 Hours

& APPROACH STRATEGY

Supporting the systems that shape children’s success—inside and outside of school

Families told us that housing instability and navigating Stamford’s affordable housing system are major barriers to student success.

CITY PARTNERSHIP STAMFORD 1ST HOUSING FAIR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

WORKED WITH THE CITY OF STAMFORD’S DIRECTOR OF HOUSING TO HOST WORKSHOPS ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING EVICTION

CO-HOSTED THE CITY’S FIRST HOUSING FAIR WITH 100+ RESIDENTS, CONNECTING FAMILIES TO RESOURCES AND CITY PLANNING

ENGAGED RESIDENTS ON THE STAMFORD 2035 PLAN AND GATHERED SUPPORT FOR THE CT CHILD TAX CREDIT CAMPAIGN

& APPROACH STRATEGY

Why Collective Impact Works

By aligning partners and connecting existing resources, SC2C amplifies impact and creates opportunities for systems-level change.

EARLY LITERACY

EXPANDED BOOKS FOR BABIES WITH NEW PARTNERS—ENSURING EVERY NEWBORN LEAVES STAMFORD HOSPITAL WITH BOOKS.

FSCS COMMUNITY CHILDCARE ADVOCACY

FULL-SERVICE

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

CONNECTED VOLUNTEERS TO STUDENT INTERESTS IN LEADERSHIP AND FINANCIAL LITERACY.

SC2C’S PRESENCE AT THE MORNING WITHOUT CHILDCARE RALLY BUILT CONNECTIONS WITH CENTER- AND HOMEBASED EARLY CHILDHOOD PROVIDERS.

& APPROACH STRATEGY

How Statewide Collaboration Strengthens Outcomes for Children & Families

By uniting partners across Connecticut, the Coalition advances policies that improve access, equity, and opportunity for all families.

CT C2C COALITION POLICY & ADVOCACY

THE CONNECTICUT CRADLE TO CAREER COALITION UNITES FIVE STRIVETOGETHER PARTNERSHIPS TO ADVANCE STATEWIDE POLICIES THAT IMPROVE ECONOMIC MOBILITY AND WELL‑BEING FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.

SUPPORTED 13 STUDENTS IN PREPARING TESTIMONY AND HELD A BUDGET LEARNING SESSION FOR FAMILIES. PARTNERED WITH THE SCHOOL + STATE FINANCE PROJECT TO EXPLAIN LOCAL & STATE EDUCATION FUNDING.

SCHOOL MEALS ADVOCACY

RAISED AWARENESS OF A $1M GAP IN SCHOOL MEALS FUNDING AND LAUNCHED A CITY‑WIDE CAMPAIGN. COMMUNITY SUPPORT HELPED RESTORE FULL FUNDING FOR UNIVERSAL SCHOOL MEALS

EARLY CHILDHOOD

AllStamfordchildrenenterkindergartenreadytolearn

The 0-5 Early Childhood Community Action Network (CAN) focuses on engaging parents in their children’s learning, beginning at birth. We do this through close collaboration with our community partners during monthly meetings and through outreach events targeting families throughout the city.

17.5%

Increased events for caregivers: We grew the number of events for caregivers by 17.5% between FY24

Expanded our coalition: With the help of our new Community Engagement Liason position we were able to work more closely with home-based childcare providers and connect them with larger childcare centers and resources.

35-52

Increased our average event attendance: Grew our average attendance at caregiver events from 35

CAN is becoming embedded into government-led systems (i.e., merger with School Readiness Council in 2024, transitioning in 2025 to co-leadership of state-authorized Early Childhood Community Table to advise on priorities and policies.

EARLY GRADE READING

AllStamfordchildrenreadingongrade-levelbytheendof3rdgrade.

The Early Grade Reading (EGR) Community Action Network (CAN) focuses on improving student literacy rates primarily in grades K-3. Our partners in this work span a range of areas from the Stamford Public School system to after-school and summer camp community organizations, to social service providers in Stamford. Our goal is to not only improve literacy but bring a love of reading to children and their families.

459

We reached 459 children with over 30 hours of literacy time at summer camps run by ROSCCO and Boys & Girls Club.

TacklingSummerSlide

Thanks to our partnership with Stamford Public Schools, 63 children were able to participate in summer school directly from their summer camp.

95%

Of those 63 students, 95% made measurable progress along their literacy pathway over the four weeks they were in summer school.

FULL-SERVICE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Allchildrendeserveasafeplacetolive,supportandopportunityto learn,andencouragementtoleadethically.

The community schools strategy transforms a school into a place where educators, local community members, families, and students work together to strengthen conditions for student learning and healthy development. As partners, they organize inand out-of-school resources, supports, and opportunities so that young people thrive.

80%

of students now reached with a service through their FSCS

reduction In-school suspensions for the 3 student populations most likely to receive them have dropped by more than 60% on average 69%

70%

Of families in our FSCS feel more positive about their child’s school

Funded by a 5-year competitive federal grant, Stamford’s Full-Service Community Schools embed FSCS Managers into school leadership teams at Dolan and Rippowam Middle Schools, strengthening coordination between schools, families, and community partners.

Now in our third year, FSCS is boosting school attendance and students’ sense of belonging through enrichment opportunities, expanded health services, and deeper family engagement in school life.

FSCS strategy drives a powerful return on investment, with this year’s $500,000 grant leveraging at least $1.9 million in local services through a strong, coordinated partner network.

TRANSITION TO POST-SECONDARY COLLEGE & CAREER

AllStamford YouthwillGraduatefromHighSchoolandObtaina PostsecondaryDegreeand/orEmployment.

The Transition to Post-Secondary College and Career CAN is dedicated to ensuring high school students are prepared for their time after graduation. Our partners include Stamford Public Schools. youth serving community organizations, UCONNStamford and community members.

890

890 graduates received tailored summer text reminders, and 100% of first-generation, college-bound students received a personal call from a counselor.

111

89%

89% of students said their counselor was “helpful or very helpful,” and 87% reported they would not be headed to school in the fall without this support

Ongoing summer outreach helps graduates stay on track with critical college and career milestones.

Personalized support ensures students know they have a trusted adult to turn to with questions or concerns.

The Bridge to College Program directly addresses “summer melt” by guiding students through applications, financial aid, housing, and class registration.

Student voices reflect the program’s impact: “Being able to talk to a counselor who understands the process is so important, especially being a first-generation student in a household where no one really knows the college process.” — AITE Graduate (2024)

111 graduates worked one-on-one with one of four counselors through the Bridge to College Program in 2024.

FY24 DONOR IMPACT SNAPSHOT

Yoursupportpoweredmeaningfulprogressforchildrenandfamilies acrossStamford.

In FY24, community support helped invest $1.55 million to strengthen learning, well-being, and opportunity for children and families across Stamford through expanded school supports, early childhood and literacy efforts, and youth and community engagement.

$930K

supported staff and services that help deliver programs and coordinate support for students and families.

$424K

funded programs and initiatives that expand learning and well-being opportunities for children and youth.

$200K

supported essential operations and partnerships needed to deliver programs effectively across the community.

Expanded school-based support and family services through major program investments, increasing access to academic and wellness resources for students and families.

Strengthened early childhood, literacy, and college-readiness pathways to better support children and youth from early learning through high school.

Supported community and youth engagement efforts across Stamford, connecting families and young people with programs, resources, and leadership opportunities.

Together, these investments are helping more Stamford children and families access the support they need to succeed in school and in life.

LOOKINGAHEAD

As we look toward the future, Stamford Cradle to Career is guided by a clear and urgent theme: Answering the Moment Together—Collective Power and Shared Progress. In a time when families, systems, and communities are navigating complex challenges and opportunities, we believe that lasting change will come from collective action rooted in equity, trust, and accountability.

In FY-26, we will deepen our impact through several key strategies and initiatives. The launch of “Know Your Number” will align stakeholders around key data points to drive shared accountability and measurable progress. Our Childcare Incubator will cultivate community-driven solutions that expand access to quality early care and education. We are also advancing a focused strategy with Stamford Public Schools, aiming to strengthen academic outcomes, family engagement, and the overall student experience.

We will continue to amplify youth voice as a central driver of civic change and community insight. Our leadership in the Stamford Citywide Literacy Initiative will bring partners together to ensure all children are reading proficiently by third grade—a foundational milestone for lifelong success.

We are especially proud to serve as the City of Stamford’s Early Childhood Local Governance Partner, supporting the implementation of transformative new legislation that positions Stamford as a leader in early childhood innovation across Connecticut. As always, we will prioritize civic engagement and work to make decision-making processes more legible and accessible for families and community members.

Our progress is powered by partnerships—with nonprofits, city agencies, schools, grassroots leaders, and residents. We welcome new and ongoing collaborations that honor local expertise, maximize efficiency for families, and align with our mission.

Finally, we continue to pursue sustainable funding to grow and strengthen our Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) model, ensuring that every child and family has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Together, we are not just responding to the moment—we are shaping what comes next, grounded in collective power and shared progress.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

At Stamford Cradle to Career, we know that collective impact is only possible through shared leadership, mutual accountability, and a deep commitment to doing what’s best for our children and families.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Executive Team, whose strategic guidance, time, and passion keep us focused on equity, outcomes, and meaningful progress.

To the community members and families who consistently show up, share their stories, ask the hard questions, and drive us to do better—thank you for your trust and partnership. You are the heart of this work.

We are grateful to the City of Stamford and Stamford Public Schools for their collaboration and

OURTEAM

SC2C’s team consists of highly skilled and dedicated professionals who collaborate with community partners, families, and investors to promote positive change for the children and youth of Stamford. We are devoted to equity and diversity in our hiring practices, ensuring that our staff mirrors the rich fabric of the Stamford community.