We’re proud to be the coordinator and advocacy lead of the California Cradle to Career (C2C) Coalition, a statewide network using place-based solutions to achieve racial and economic equity. C2C members provide vital civic infrastructure, direct services, and on the ground programming in their communities. Together, they serve nearly 1.5 million young people in California regions experiencing the highest levels of poverty.
For C2C members, proximity is key to providing targeted, equitable programs and services that lead to vibrant, healthy communities. Their work begins before a child is born and continues through school and into a chosen career, establishing reinforcing cycles of support for children and families across generations.
The Coalition is comprised of federal Promise Neighborhoods and regional Cradle to Career Networks working collaboratively to ensure state investments in the following areas reach intended communities:
- Teachers of color
- Kindergarten readiness
- Community schools
- Student mental health
- Community college linkages
- Workforce development
In 2022, California made its first formal investment in place-based organizations by allocating money for four Promise Neighborhoods. The C2C Coalition is working to secure ongoing state funding, which would sustain current organizations doing place-based work and allow for expansion of the cradle to career model to more communities across the state.
ECPCA engages in lobbying and direct and grassroots advocacy activities via the GRACE End Child Poverty Institute.
