The focus of Roc the Future’s efforts is to make sure that children are ready for kindergarten, that children reach third grade reading levels on time, and to improve high school graduation rates.

“It’s not just about how individuals are doing,” Jackie Campbell, Alliance Director for Roc the Future said. “We look as our work as individual framework, organizational framework, as well as a collective, like, what are we doing as an entire community. This event gives us an opportunity to report to the community on how we’re doing and say ‘yes’ and ‘good job, but let’s continue and keep it moving’”

Thursday’s event also recognized parents, and honored them for their contributions.