Children First Results and Impact
Children First’s data-informed, cross-sector, cradle to career partnership is closing the race and poverty opportunity gaps so that all kids in Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and surrounding communities can realize their brilliance. We are a member of StriveTogether, a national movement of nearly 70 partnerships across the United States that are working to ensure every child has every opportunity to succeed in school and in life. Together, the StriveTogether Network of cradle to career partnerships reaches more than 14 million young people.
Our Areas of Focus
Children First’s goal is to close the gaps in economic mobility for all youth and families in Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and surrounding communities by taking a cradle-to-career, data-driven approach. We want to tap into the unrealized potential and brilliance that each child in our community has to offer.
5 Milestones in a Child’s Life
We’ve adopted a proven model supported by the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network and utilized by 70 different communities in the country. We’re committed to ensuring optimal results for our children.
Kindergarten Readiness
Preschool is important. This milestone ensures children are socially and emotionally prepared for Kindergarten.
Early Grade Reading
One of the early success indicators is reading comprehension and proficiency. Students who achieve high level reading abilities by the 3rd grade, are more likely to complete high school.
Middle Grade Math
Achieving strong math skills is another important milestone. The test results from 8th, 10th and 12th grade math exams show teachers and educators where the student ranks for college preparedness.
High School Graduation
Graduation from high school impacts the economic welfare and success of students. This can lead to higher paying jobs and opportunities to pursue higher education.
Post Secondary Enrollment and Completion
There is a direct correlation between receiving a college education and earning potential. Completing a college degree significantly impacts upward economic mobility and income.
StriveTogether Network
Children First is a member of the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network, a national movement working to put millions more young people on a path to economic mobility.
In partnership with community partners, we bring together neighbors, including youth and families, nonprofits, businesses, schools and more, to work toward a future where youth can thrive in their communities. StriveTogether Network members change the way their communities work together by building connections, sharing resources, and using data to put more young people on a path to economic mobility.
Education Partnerships Coalition of Minnesota
Children First is proud to be a member of the Education Partnerships Coalition of Minnesota. We are a coalition of community-driven, data-informed organizations building a bipartisan movement committed to upward economic mobility, self-sufficiency, and self-determination for Minnesota’s children, youth, and families.
Early Years Action Network and Latino Parents Empowerment Group
Our Early Years Action Network and Latino Parent Empowerment Group both focus on school readiness. When the Early Years Action Network learned that just 18% of young children in St. Louis Park undergo Early Childhood Development Screening, down from 29% the year before, the group prioritized this screening as a focus for an aligned effort. Latino parents, whose children are least benefited by current systems, selected the messaging that they felt would most appeal to their peers and Children First shared that information at community events.
The Latino Parents Empowerment Group and our Bilingual StoryTime program convene regularly to ensure that Latino families have the supports and programming needed to ready their children for kindergarten and set them up for continued success throughout their education. Parents observed that as their children took part in Bilingual StoryTime, they became more confident and enthusiastic in their reading ability. Each week of the program has a different theme — language/communication, physical development, social/emotional development, creativity and arts, the ways a child learns, math, science, and thinking.
St. Louis Park Summer Reading Festival
The St. Louis Park Summer Reading Festival is an annual event held each August, comprised of several literacy-focused events featuring book giveaways for readers of all ages. The festival is about engaging with the children and families of St. Louis Park, while enjoying their favorite books. Children First organizes the festival and its events, coordinating with various community partners, and hosts the Ice Cream Social event at the St. Louis Park Outdoor Recreation Center.
Youth For Change Coalition
Launched in 2023, this leadership initiative offers strategies to improve outcomes for the youth of Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and surrounding communities to inspire the next generation of leaders. Youth-led and open to high school students, the coalition focuses on improving mental wellness for their peers by hosting workshops, promoting mental health practices, and advocating for improvements at the school district, local, and state level.
Youth 4 Change Coalition Job Description
Youth 4 Change Coalition Application Form
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