Who We Are
ROC the Future Alliance
ROC the Future Alliance is a partnership of leading institutions and organizations that promotes the alignment of community resources to improve the academic achievement of Rochester’s children. We find our success through a collective impact approach. We recognize that no one individual or business can accomplish significant change alone–which is why our funders, providers, and staff members work toward a common goal. Collectively, we create opportunities for success for every child.
Our Story
Inception of ROC the Future
2011
ROC the Future Alliance was initiated by Monroe Community College, the Rochester City School District, and the United Way. Community-wide sessions were held to communicate intentions and gauge interest and feedback. As a result, the conveners selected third-grade literacy as the starting point of this work.
Transition to The Children’s Agenda
2013
ROC the Future Alliance appointed The Children’s Agenda to serve as the backbone organization and identified Dr. Leonard Brock as the first full-time director of the alliance.
Expansion of the Backbone Team
2015
The second director was hired, Jackie Campbell, and over the span of six years, ROC the Future Alliance hired six dedicated team members to build the Backbone Team.
Parent Engagement Collaborative Action Network (PECAN) Started
2016
In collaboration with the National Parent Leadership Institute, PECAN became the table where parents come together to inform systems-level change for improvements in cradle-to-career outcomes.
Launch of the HS Graduation Outcomes Team
2017
Factors are studied that contribute to on-time graduation from high school. Graduating from high school increases a student’s ability to gain employment, improve their earning potential, influence peers to pursue graduation, and more.
Launch Early Grade Literacy Outcomes Team
2018
Early grade reading is vital for each child’s ongoing academic endeavors. Reading is vital across all subjects, and lagging behind will affect student success significantly as they progress through middle and high school. ROC the Future Alliance is getting ahead of this issue by targeting reading by third grade.
StriveTogether Courage in Leadership Award
2019
At the tenth annual Cradle to Career Network Convening, StriveTogether recognized ROC the Future Alliance as the inaugural recipient of the Nancy Zimpher Courage in Leadership award.
Youth Leadership Coalition started
2020
Leveraging a national partnership with SpreadKarma Collective from Baltimore, MD, Kilolo Moyo-White, ROC the Future’s Family and Community Engagement Specialist, developed a “Train the Trainer” Youth Leadership Curriculum.
$1.5 Million Grant for Get Ready to GROW
2020
Congressman Joe Morelle announced a $1.5 million grant to help expand services for Get Ready to GROW, an initiative in which we provide free developmental checks and follow-up support for children ages one to five years.
Racial Equity Statement Published
2020
In response to the Black Agenda Group’s declaration of “Racism is a Public Health Crisis,” we published a statement on the need for racial equity in our community.
Transition to Children’s Institute
2021
As a result of COVID-19 pandemic impacts on our community and the move toward a more digital world, the Children’s Institute welcomed ROC the Future Alliance to greater support our efforts for systemic change.
The ROC the Future Alliance received $1.55 million for the Whole Child Initiative
2022
Initiative to realize transformative change in the system of support for parents, families, and children, prenatal to age 8. ROC the Future Alliance’s third director was hired, Brian Lewis.
Parent/Family Partner Power Cornerstones
2023
1. Recognizing and challenging power imbalances.
2. Holding lived experience as expertise.
3. Creating racial equity by partnering with those most impacted by decisions in decision making.
ROC the Future Alliance achieves Systems Change designation
2024
This advanced designation is reserved for members of the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network that are shifting policies, practices, resources and power structures to advance equitable outcomes for youth and families of color and those experiencing poverty.
Causewave’s W.B. Potter Founder’s Award
2025
At Causewave Community Partners’ 75th anniversary, ROC the Future Alliance received the W.B. Potter Founder’s Award.
ROC the Future Alliance Convening Organizations
Funders
Careers
We are always looking to welcome committed leaders to our team. If you are interested in exploring open positions or learning more about our careers, visit our LinkedIn page.
Contact our team or call us for more information about joining ROC the Future Alliance.