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As part of the Regional FAFSA Network and ongoing partnership with KUSD schools, Bradford High School is taking a community-driven approach to increase FAFSA completion by partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha and Building Our Future to meet students and families where they are.
On Wednesday, April 29 (5:00–7:00 PM), KUSD and RUSD seniors and their families are invited to the Boys & Girls Club Teen Center for one-on-one support completing FAFSA applications. This effort is strengthened through a collective impact approach, with additional partners including Junior Achievement, Succeed Beyond High School, Higher Expectations Racine County, and Gateway Technical College. Why it matters: FAFSA completion is a key gateway to postsecondary access and persistence. Students who complete the FAFSA are more likely to stay engaged, graduate on time, and access financial resources that make college and career training possible. Each completed application represents an investment in students’ futures, economic mobility, and a stronger regional workforce.  As Week of the Young Child comes to a close, we’re celebrating the importance of early childhood—and the incredible people driving this work forward in Kenosha County.
This week, we: • Recognized local leadership through proclamations • Highlighted the state of child care in our community • Shared resources for families • Elevated the voices of early childhood educators Each moment reinforces what we know to be true: supporting young children and families takes all of us—and when we work together, we can create lasting impact. This work doesn’t stop here. Through the Smart Beginnings Network, a collaborative action network led by Building Our Future, partners across the community are aligning efforts to ensure every child in Kenosha County enters kindergarten ready to succeed. By working together, using data to guide decisions, and staying focused on outcomes, we are building a stronger, more connected system for children, families, and educators—now and for the future.  Building Our Future is pleased to announce its celebration of the Week of the Young Child® (April 11-17, 2026), an annual celebration that focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognizes the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. First established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 1971, this week highlights that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life.
At Building Our Future, we know that ensuring every child in Kenosha County enters kindergarten ready to learn on day one is essential not just for children, but for the well-being and prosperity of our entire community. Through our Smart Beginnings Network, we bring together local early childhood programs, organizations, and agencies to advance this shared vision. By leveraging data, advocating for effective policies, engaging parents, and planning community action, Smart Beginnings promotes optimal child development and access to quality, affordable early care and education—the foundation of a thriving Kenosha. The early years, from birth to age 5, are critical for a child’s development. Research shows that 90% of brain architecture is established by age 5. These formative years shape not only a child’s future, but the future of our workforce, economy, and community. Access to high-quality, affordable early care enables parents to work, supports employers in building a skilled workforce, and ensures children reach their full potential. Yet families in Kenosha County continue to face challenges in accessing the care they need. Consider the data:
Early childhood education is not just a “family” issue, it is a workforce and economic issue. Working families’ financial security depends on access to high-quality child care programs staffed by skilled, fairly compensated educators. Without it, Wisconsin loses an estimated $2.6 billion each year in productivity, earnings, and revenue. Supporting ECE strengthens families, employers, and the local economy while preparing the next generation for lifelong success. “Early childhood education is one of the smartest investments we can make as a community,” said Tatjana Bicanin, Executive Director of Building Our Future. “When families have access to quality, affordable care, parents can work, businesses can grow, and children can build the foundation they need for lifelong success and that’s why we’re committed to working alongside partners across Kenosha County to make that a reality.” The strength and future of our community begin with our youngest children. That’s why Building Our Future is committed to ensuring every child in Kenosha County has the opportunity to thrive. By recognizing the importance of early childhood education today, we are investing in a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Kenosha for years to come. About NAEYC The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. In 2026, we celebrate 100 years of advancing a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and supporting all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. Today, the association comprises tens of thousands of individual members of the early childhood community and 50 Affiliates across the country, all committed to delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning. |
Our Mission: Together we will engage our community to provide an environment in which all contribute and excel. Our Vision: Everyone achieving personal potential from cradle to career. |
