ROC the Future Alliance Earns Systems Change Designation from StriveTogether

Photo: From L to R: Front row: John Rodriguez, Nidia Benitez, Teara Davis, Sara White Smith, Ryan Lavoie, James Ross, Chakeva Miller. Back row: Willie Robinson Jr., Kimberly Felton, Dr. Lorna Washington, Brian Lewis, Jessica Lewis

ROC the Future Alliance has received the prestigious Systems Change designation from StriveTogether in recognition of its efforts to transform policies, practices, resources, and power structures to create equitable opportunities for Rochester's youth and families. This designation is awarded to members of the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network that demonstrate significant progress in advancing outcomes for communities of color and those experiencing poverty.

As part of the Cradle to Career Network, ROC the Future Alliance contributes to a national initiative to help every child succeed, regardless of race, ethnicity, zip code, or circumstance. By collaborating with community partners, the organization addresses disparities across education, health, housing, and other critical systems, creating pathways to upward mobility for young people.

“I’m thrilled to announce Rochester as the most recent community to prove it’s making a measurable difference for every child,” said StriveTogether President and CEO Jennifer Blatz. “ROC the Future Alliance puts parent and community voices at the forefront, dismantling structural inequities and fostering a shared vision across the Rochester community.”

Bright Spots of Success

ROC the Future Alliance’s work has led to several notable achievements:

1. School-Based Health Services: A collaboration between the Rochester City School District (RCSD) and local healthcare providers has ensured that 100% of RCSD schools offer telehealth and mental health services.

2. PedRoc4Kids Partnership: This initiative unites Rochester’s healthcare systems, schools, and community organizations to expand access to services. Plans include incorporating charter schools to further support students in the area.

3. Early Education Enrollment: A campaign promoting enrollment in high-quality early childhood education programs has filled more than 2,600 seats. Healthcare providers play a key role by discussing the benefits of early education during well-child visits and ensuring children are vaccinated.

   
   

A Decade of Impact

Since joining the Cradle to Career Network in 2012, ROC the Future Alliance has worked with over 100 cross-sector partners, including school district leaders, higher education institutions, early childhood educators, business leaders, philanthropic organizations, and government officials. This collaborative approach aligns with StriveTogether’s proven framework for change, known as the Theory of Action™, which tracks progress across five designations: Exploring, Emerging, Sustaining, Systems Change, and Systems Transformation.

Looking ahead, ROC the Future Alliance aims to improve key milestones in children’s lives, including kindergarten readiness, early literacy, math proficiency, and high school graduation. The organization is committed to putting 11,000 more children on the path to upward mobility by 2030.

“As we build on this milestone, we envision a community where systems work for all, especially our Black and Brown children and families,” said ROC the Future Alliance Executive Director Brian Lewis. “Together, we will move the needle on critical outcomes so that every child can thrive.”

For more information about ROC the Future Alliance and its mission, visit [website URL].