As we wrap up the year, we extend our sincere thanks to the investors and partners who made this work possible. Your belief in Building Our Future and your commitment to collective impact helped drive meaningful progress for children, students, and families across our region.
Together with local and state partners, we built momentum around what matters most—strengthening early childhood systems, advancing historic early care and education policy wins, and expanding postsecondary pathways that lead to economic mobility and a strong workforce.
This year reinforced an important truth: aligned systems, strong cross-sector partnerships, and data-driven action lead to real, measurable change.
Thank you for your partnership, your leadership, and your belief in this work. We’re deeply grateful for what we’ve accomplished together—and even more hopeful about what’s ahead.

This year, regional leaders came together to strengthen the postsecondary pathways that connect students to high-earning, in-demand careers. By aligning across institutions and districts, we’re turning shared priorities into coordinated action.

Through our regional Dual Credit Work Team and school-based FAFSA teams, partners are aligning expectations, setting bold goals, and tracking measurable progress.

The result: 210 additional FAFSA completions across RUSD and KUSD for the 2025–2026 cycle—unlocking nearly $1 million in additional potential federal student aid for families in our region.

Grateful for our district leaders, higher education partners and community partners whose leadership, collaboration, and shared accountability are making this impact possible.
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Higher Expectations for Racine County Herzing University - Kenosha University of Wisconsin-Parkside Gateway Technical College Carthage College The Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation Kenosha Unified School District Racine Unified Schools