In May 2006, the P-16 Alliance of Summit County was launched to align organizations and resources to smooth key transitions for youngsters and their families as they move from one educational level to another. Clearly, the work begins at early childhood and continues through postsecondary education - hence the name, P-16. The P-16 Alliance recognizes there are challenges at every transition point. By collecting and analyzing data that relate specifically to Summit County, trends can be determined that will inform what opportunities and challenges to tackle.

To do this work, the P-16 Alliance is forming or enlisting Transition Work Groups. In either case, the Transition Work Groups bring together stakeholders and advocates at a particular transition area. Together this group analyzes data to determine goals and strategies that will lead to action and to cause alignment countywide. Other stakeholders are invited to participate in acting on these strategies either in their organizations or as a collective. Clearly, no one organization can act alone to make a seamless educational continuum for all our children in Summit County.

Fortunately, the Kindergarten Readiness Advantage (KRA) of Summit County emerged in fall 2007 when over 40 leaders from across Summit County gathered to build on the strengths of preK efforts while also stepping up to the opportunities and challenges to increase access and quality for all the youngest citizens in Summit County. The result of the one and a half day Summit was the emergence of action teams that focused on standards & vision and public engagement. The liaisons from these action teams continued to meet and were the driving force in sponsoring the May 2008 a.m. session at the downtown library where over 100 pre-K professionals and advocates gathered to interact with nationally known pre-K advocate, David Lawrence.

The results from the conversations at the May a.m. session coupled with data and the vision statement from the action team created forward momentum. Since May, this work group has developed an action plan to increase readiness to enter kindergarten that is exciting and challenging. The goals and strategies were developed with an eye toward reaching the vision, but rooted in Summit County data that serves as a snapshot in time of where we are currently in our community. The goals and strategies provide the next, best steps in taking action to make our vision a reality.