230,000 Futures
At the convening, I saw clearly that a national network of practice is growing around providing solutions.
The 4 Million Futures agenda is pushing forward evidence-based collaborations that stitch together cradle-to-career systems: using data to identify gaps early, investing in early childhood, implementing place-based strategies, supporting collective impact models, and emphasizing equitable outcomes for all students. Several working groups presented promising models, such as aligning resources across sectors, deploying shared metrics to drive improvement, and powering up partnerships between schools, nonprofits, and local governments so that programs are not isolated but part of a coherent pipeline.
Here in Memphis and Shelby County, our work continues to drive this approach.
Our multimillion-dollar investment in South Memphis to implement the More for Memphis economic mobility plan is putting real resources down where they can shift opportunity.
First 8 Memphis and our commitment to Pre-K for All are building early foundations so that children begin school ready and are not behind their peers.
The implementation and continued expansion of Full-Service Community Schools mean that students’ critical needs—health, enrichment, family supports—are integrated with education rather than treated as “extras.”
Our emerging pathways work—career and work-based learning experience—is ensuring students graduate not just with diplomas, but also with real opportunities and readiness for work, entrepreneurship, or postsecondary studies.
While StriveTogether aims to ensure economic prosperity for an additional 4 million children around the country by 2030, we are building a system that works for families and the 230,000 children under the age of 18 in Shelby County.
