ROC the Future Alliance

08/18/2026

Congratulations Eshaunna Smith!!

Economic mobility and the civic infrastructure that supports it are under strain right now. Public trust is fraying, resources are contracting, and the cross-sector partnerships that move families toward opportunity are being tested.

This moment calls for us to build on our strengths and make changes that support that our mission — and it's why we're so excited to welcome Eshauna Smith as our new president.

Eshauna brings a rare combination of deep field credibility and executive leadership experience, plus a long-standing relationship with StriveTogether's leadership and deep knowledge of this work. As a core member of the executive team, she'll focus on organizational alignment, strategy and innovation, as well as field coordination efforts that will advance the impact of place-based partnerships nationwide.

For more than 15 years, StriveTogether has proven that place-based partnerships are the most effective way to increase economic mobility. Eshauna's leadership sharpens our ability to deliver on that promise and reach our bold 2030 vision: four million more futures on a path to economic mobility.

Welcome to the team, Eshauna! We are so excited for you to start next week.

Read more about this moment: https://hubs.li/Q04tl3-10

08/05/2026

Pre-K enrollment is still open, and seats are available in programs across our community!

Research shows that children who attend quality Pre-K enter kindergarten more prepared to learn, build early literacy and math skills, and develop important social-emotional skills.

If you have a 3 or 4-year-old or know a family who does, now is the time to act.

Learn through play
Build friendships
Gain confidence for kindergarten

Please help us reach more families by sharing this post. Together, we can ensure every child starts school ready to thrive.

06/29/2026

We love seeing our youth lead the way!

Our Youth Leadership Coalition (YLC) recently facilitated a powerful community conversation to help inform the Greater Rochester Health Foundation's Parent Liberation Model.

During the discussion, young scholars shared their perspectives on what they need to thrive as they enter school—ensuring that youth voices remain at the center of solutions that impact their futures.

This meaningful event was held in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Rochester, Teen Empowerment, the Greater Rochester Health Foundation, and ROC the Future Alliance.

Nearly 40 youth participated, with the conversation thoughtfully led by YLC Co-Chair Cayden B. alongside fellow YLC members. We are incredibly proud of their leadership and commitment to creating positive change in our community.

06/26/2026

Early Learning Tutors at Ibero Early Childhood Center hit the ground running in our first year of partnership! With 29 students served and 682 tutoring sessions completed at the center in Rochester, New York, tutors Alyssa and Sierra have helped shape student confidence and Kindergarten readiness.

We want to show our appreciation for the entire team at Ibero, including Karen Ramirez-Nieves for her work as an internal coach. Thank you for a great inaugural year of partnership—it has been a joy to watch our tutors form such close bonds with students and staff!

Interested in bringing Early Learning Corps to your school? Learn how you can get involved by visiting Join.ReadingandMath.org.

Ibero-American Action League, Inc.
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06/23/2026

Too many young people leave high school without a clear, connected plan for what comes next. Not because they lack ambition, but because the systems around them weren't built to work together.

The Commission on Purposeful Pathways — a coalition of students and leaders from K–12, higher education, research, policy and workforce systems — released a research-backed framework to change that. A Launchpad for Life: A Vision for Purposeful Pathways for All Students calls on communities to ensure every student has access to:

▪High-quality advising — consistent support to develop goals, navigate transitions and stay connected to trusted adults
▪Accelerated coursework — college credit and industry-recognized credentials at little or no cost, aligned to high-demand careers
▪Career-connected learning — experiences that bridge the classroom and the real world, from early exploration to hands-on training

Every student deserves to graduate knowing who they are, where they're going and who can help them get there.

Explore the full report and join the work:
https://strivetogether.org/resources/a-launchpad-for-life-a-vision-for-purposeful-pathways-for-all-students/?utm_campaignid=path20266&utm_medium=social-nm&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=linkpost&utm_campaign=path-june

06/22/2026

Looking for a paid opportunity to make a difference in the community? Part-time and full-time tutors are needed to help preschool students discover the joy of learning! No experience is needed.

Early Learning Corps provides tutors with training, a paycheck every two weeks, additional money for tuition/loans, and other great perks!

Please spread the word and share. Learn more and apply at Join.ReadingandMath.org.

06/19/2026

Today we honor Juneteenth—a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. As we reflect on the significance of this day, we recognize the contributions, strength, and achievements of Black communities throughout history and today.

May we continue learning, listening, and working toward a future where opportunity, justice, and dignity are shared by all.

Be sure to enjoy this weekend’s festivities.

Happy Juneteenth!