The Data We Need

It is often said that what gets measured gets done.  As we identify ways to support and empower our youth we should also ask, what data is needed to measure progress? What data will help us best ensure that we are making the right investments and providing our youth with opportunities to grow and prosper?  What data will help families, schools, and institutions to better understand and close achievement gaps within our community?  What data will tell us whether our children have a sense of hope for their future here?

Creating data-driven partnerships is one way to ensure positive and sustainable change.  Several years ago in Boone County, business and community leaders joined with educators to form the Cradle to Career Alliance. Working together they identified desired outcomes for reducing educational disparities and promoting career readiness for all children, began gathering the data needed to measure progress, and wrote grants to ensure they had the resources to measure and report on progress, and create sustainable change.  Although the Alliance no longer exists as a separate organization, data continues to be tracked and reported to the community through the Boone County Upward Mobility project.  You can find other stories of data driven partnerships here.  And although not focused on youth, Mosaic Life Care did publish a 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment that includes Buchanan County and provides some data on the mental health and environmental needs of youth in our community.

Identifying the desired outcomes for our youth, and the data needed to measure progress is a key step in moving towards the future we want and need. Data leads to accountability. The Imagine St. Joseph 2040 plan envisioned a community “that holds each other — new leaders, established leaders, and those with great ideas —  accountable for attacking big issues with vision, determination and ambition.” It also envisioned agencies working together “on shared goals, shared metrics, and shared accountability, resulting in our poverty rate being cut in half.” So what are the metrics that will drive change? Who will gather the data and how will it be shared with the community?  Come share your ideas on November 16. You can also share thoughts or ideas through our contact form below.

Photo credit: Photo 57361328 © Ganna Todica | Dreamstime.com