KConnect is a collection of area organizations dedicated to creating systemic change.
“The three most popular things that we’re known for is visualizing data, connecting people by facilitation, and then hosting convenings to help people make decisions that are going to improve outcomes for children and families and their communities.”
That’s KConnect’s president and CEO, Salvador Lopez. KConnect has earned the Systems Change designation from StriveTogether, a national network of local communities working to put more young people on a path to economic mobility. They joined 17 other communities nationwide after receiving StriveTogether’s Courage in Leadership Award last year.
“We have over 250 organizations that are a part of our network across 40 community partners that are involved in this partnership with KConnect and now with StriveTogether.”
Some of KConnect’s efforts include expanding diverse educator pipelines, contributing to a 35% increase in Black educators and a 30% increase in Latine educators, something Lopez says stands out when many DEI initiatives are being scaled back or abandoned completely under federal pressure.
Over the decade, nearly 700 more students countrywide are graduating on time each year thanks to efforts from KConnect and similar organizations.
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