NLC’s Early Learning Nation (ELN), Cities in Action initiative brings together 10 city cohorts across America to strengthen local communities by prioritizing young children and their families while empowering local leaders to drive meaningful change. Each city is engaging diverse community stakeholders, developing Early Childhood action plans and leveraging learning from a network of peer cities. By prioritizing collaboration and strategic planning, these cities are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for families in their communities.
This initiative is connected to an emerging collaborative movement, the ELN Collective. Across the country, local leaders are working together with seven national partners to leverage resources, increase coordination and build alignment within the systems that support young children and families.
The ELN Collective Local Action Fund (LAF) offers competitive grants to fund and accelerate work and priorities that have been identified by local coalitions. Each of the 10 cities participating in the ELN Cities in Action TA were eligible to apply for funding via one of their community partners. With the support of the LAF inaugural grant, four communities — Charleston, SC, Knoxville, TN, Los Angeles, CA, and Oakland, CA — can now expand their resources further as they continue implementing their Early Childhood action plans. By looking for creative ways to access and spread funding throughout the community, these local teams are poised to advance their agendas for young children and families within local government, all while fostering community-driven change.
Charleston, SC: The Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative
Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative serves children and families across Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties in South Carolina to align community efforts and improve early learning systems. The grant will fund program evaluations, partnership development and collaborative planning ensuring children across the region have access to high-quality education and support services.
Knoxville, TN: The United Way of Greater Knoxville’s Bright Start Summit
The United Way of Greater Knoxville is fostering collaboration among educators, families and community leaders through its Bright Start Summit. The grant will fund an Early Childhood Initiatives Manager and support efforts to align community initiatives around early childhood outcomes. These investments will drive innovative solutions and ensure children in Knoxville have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Los Angeles, CA: The Child Development Consortium of Los Angeles (CDCLA)
CDCLA champions early childhood educators and children from diverse and underserved communities in Los Angeles. The grant will support professional development workshops and distribute resources aimed at improving the quality of early learning environments. These efforts will enhance care and educational outcomes for young children across the region, ensuring they have the support needed for a strong start in life.
Oakland, CA: The Oakland Public Education Fund
The Oakland Public Education Fund strengthens early childhood education in Oakland, CA by building strategic partnerships. Serving as a fiscal sponsor for Oakland Smart and Strong, the fund will use the grant to cover personnel costs, host community convenings and launch public awareness campaigns highlighting the value of early learning. These efforts will ensure that Oakland’s youngest learners are supported as they embark on their educational journeys.
Learn more about being a part of the Early Learning Nation Collective.
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