Higher Expectations for Racine County

09/01/2026

$250,000 to keep building Wisconsin’s future! 🎉

We’re thrilled to share that the Wisconsin Partnership has been awarded $250,000 from StriveTogether to continue building stronger systems and creating better outcomes for children, youth and families across Wisconsin.

This is a true team effort between Higher Expectations for Racine County, Building Our Future, Achieve Brown County, Milwaukee Succeeds and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Policy and Research Department. We’re proud of what we’re building together – and excited for what we’ll continue to build in the years to come!

08/24/2026

We want to hear from parents and caregivers who live and/or work in Racine County. This survey takes just a few minutes and your responses are confidential.

Your input will help us advocate for a stronger, more accessible child care system, both locally and at the state level, as part of our work with The Wisconsin Partnership.

Take the survey here: bit.ly/RacineChildCareSurvey

Know other parents or caregivers in Racine County? Please share this post, every response helps strengthen our case for change!

08/20/2026

This week, our Community Engagement Manager Leanna Jones joined Building Our Future’s Maggie Campbell at Dr. Veronique Vien Tran, Ph.D.’s inauguration to celebrate this exciting new chapter for Gateway Technical College.

Last week, our Executive Director Elizabeth Erickson joined Building Our Future Executive Director Tatjana Bicanin for a conversation with Dr. Tran about Gateway’s vision and how we can continue working together to support students and families across Racine and Kenosha counties.

We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and the continued collaboration across our region!

08/04/2026

Last week, our team joined the Building Our Future team and Wisconsin Partnership Director Benjamin Porter in Kenosha for a regional SWOT meeting. We dug into local data in both Racine and Kenosha counties to better understand the needs in both of our communities.

The day wrapped with a clear set of shared regional priorities — helping us stay focused and connected as we keep working toward better outcomes for kids and families across the region.

StriveTogether

07/23/2026

Knapp Elementary and Julian Thomas Elementary School families: we're looking for Parent Grade Level Leaders and Math Fellows to help strengthen family engagement in our schools.

✅ Paid opportunity — $20/hr, up to 15 hrs/month
✅ Paid training included
✅ Starts September 1, 2026

You'll work alongside school staff to support grade-level meetings, Lunch & Learns, and connect families with school resources.

Interested? Fill out our quick Interest Form on our website here👉https://www.higherexpectationsracinecounty.org/parent-grade-leads

07/09/2026

🎉🎉🎉

We are proud to announce that Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC) is our new convening organization for The Academies of Racine! 🤝 That means RAMAC will support the Academies with partnerships, Youth Apprenticeship coordination, and experiential learning opportunities for our students.

Anna Clementi of RAMAC, who also serves as president of the Academies Steering Committee, reflects on the first decade of the Academies of Racine and the progress made along the way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joM_UN3e810

06/19/2026

Today, on , we celebrate freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward equity for all. At Higher Expectations, we remain committed to ensuring every person in Racine County has the opportunity to thrive.

06/18/2026

Our Community Engagement Manager Leanna and Parent Grade Lead Ketti represented us at the WEAC Coalition for Community Schools Conference this week, sharing our Parent Grade Lead model with educators and community leaders from across the state.

They shared how families have grown from event attendees into true leaders, ambassadors, and partners in student success. So proud of Leanna and Ketti for showing up, sharing our story, and representing our community so well!

06/11/2026

Today is Federal Advocacy Day at the 2026 Policy Summit and our Executive Director, Elizabeth, is spending the day on Capitol Hill advocating alongside partners from The Wisconsin Partnership.

The work happening at the federal level connects directly back to what we're building here at home — supporting families and young children in our community.

06/09/2026

Two of our incredible team members are heading to Madison next week to present at the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) Coalition for Community Schools Conference!

Our Community Engagement Manager, Leanna, and Parent Grade Lead, Ketti, will be sharing our Parent Grade Lead model. If you're attending the conference next week, go show them some love! 🫶🏽