​This week, our Dual Credit Work Team gathered at Wingspread for the third time, advancing our shared commitment to improving dual-enrollment student retention and strengthening the bridge from high school to college.
Progress so far:

• Identifying Stage: Mapping key stakeholders and ongoing efforts
• Understanding Stage: Analyzing data and voices to identify challenges and opportunities
• Co-Create Stage: Developing collaborative strategies and catalytic activities

Key Guiding Questions:

• How can we help students and families better understand dual credit opportunities?
• How can institutions strengthen support for teachers and students?
• How can all students see dual credit as an attainable option?

​Together, we’re building a stronger bridge from high school to college success — ensuring every student not only earns college credit but also feels empowered to continue their postsecondary journey.

The 3rd Annual Regional FAFSA Summit brought together educators, counselors, administrators, and community leaders from Racine and Kenosha, united in their mission to expand postsecondary access for every student.

Key partners included representatives from Kenosha and Racine Unified School Districts, school counselors, principals, athletic directors, and community organizations such as the Mahone Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha, Glozo Outreach, UW-Extension, and financial aid administrators from our postsecondary partners. Special thanks to Gateway Technical College, our host and investor, and UW-Parkside for their continued partnership.

Regional FAFSA Progress This Year:

• 1,300 students completed their FAFSAs across Racine and Kenosha, unlocking over $6 million in potential aid
• KUSD: 61 more students than last year, adding $280,000 in aid
• RUSD: 149 more students, adding $685,000 in aid

Nearly $1 million in additional support is now available for students and families across our region.

The new FAFSA G.O.A.T. trophy was awarded to Racine Unified School District for having the most schools meet their FAFSA goals in the 2024–25 cycle. The traveling trophy will rotate to different RUSD schools throughout the year to celebrate ongoing FAFSA success.

​A huge thank you to every educator, partner, and family member helping students take this crucial step toward their futures. Together, we’re building stronger pathways from high school to college, career, and beyond.

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Curious about how our community works together to help young people thrive? Join Building Our Future 101, a one-hour virtual session designed to give you a clear picture of our place-based partnership in action. Whether you’re exploring ways to get involved or already part of our network, this event is for you.

What to Expect
During the session, you’ll learn:

• How Building Our Future functions as a place-based partnership and the roles of staff and volunteer partners
• What meaningful systems change looks like in practice
• Practical ways to contribute, from joining workgroups to volunteering on our board

Why Attend
Our work goes beyond running programs or providing services. We focus on transforming the systems that affect young people’s lives - from early childhood through young adulthood. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to see how organizations throughout Kenosha County coordinate their efforts to improve outcomes for all youth, regardless of background or circumstance.

Who Should Join

• Community members interested in learning more about local initiatives
• Current and potential partners eager to explore collaboration opportunities
• Anyone passionate about education, the future workforce, and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to achieve economic mobility.   

Whether you’re new to Building Our Future or have been involved for years, there’s always more to discover—and more ways to make an impact.

Save the Date
Our first Building Our Future 101 session is on October 24, 2025. It’s an informative, engaging hour that will give you a fresh perspective on community-driven change.

Register here: Building Our Future 101 

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