Data Update | Quarter 3 | July 2026

By Noah Shore, Data Analyst, and Yezi Gugsa, Special Projects Assistant

In May, Cradle 2 Career staff and partners participated in data retreats across our Prenatal to Age 3, Transition 2 Kindergarten, and High School Graduation Networks. These retreats provided time for partners to pause, look at progress, and connect data and research back to network goals. While each network is at a different stage in its work, the overall focus was the same: to understand what has happened so far, to identify what is being learned, and to plan for what comes next.

The Prenatal to Age 3 Network reviewed population-level data on adequate access to prenatal care, along with workgroup data from community doula sessions, including attendance and participant survey information. They also celebrated progress and envisioned the next phase of this important work.

Data on Adequate Prenatal Care in Olmsted County

The Transition 2 Kindergarten Network members refined their outreach strategy and explored research-based approaches, ultimately aligning their work with the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework. This framework emphasizes the importance of social connections in building emotional support systems, reducing isolation, and strengthening resilience for families and caregivers. The network also began planning how workgroups can move their tactics forward in the next school year.

The High School Graduation Network’s Financial Aid Workgroup reviewed three years of session attendance data and overall Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion trends. They also explored a potential pilot 2.0 that would test the effectiveness of hosting FAFSA completion sessions during the school day compared to after-school events. Meanwhile, other network members used the retreat to align around next steps for work-based learning.

FAFSA Completion Rates Dashboard