May is Data Month — and we're starting with a question: what separates communities that improve outcomes for young people from those that don't?

Research points to one consistent answer: how they use data.

We’re taking a closer look at how this powerful tool can be used across systems to improve outcomes for young people in our communities. Using data to inform evidence-based decision making is critical to our work. Learn more about why data use matters and what it takes to put data into practice.

What happens when your community actually uses the data you collect?

Cradle to Career Network member Baltimore’s Promise found a gap in youth programming — older teens were being systematically underserved — and turned that finding into an 82% increase in summer funding. Two years later, when the analysis was repeated, the gap had narrowed and 32% more programs existed across the city.

Now in 2026, 54 youth-serving organizations will benefit from nearly $4.9 million in grant funding through Baltimore's Summer Funding Collaborative, serving 8,500 young people this year. Read more about how Baltimore’s Promise is turning data into action.

Want to learn more about ways to use data in our community? Join us as we tune in to StriveTogether’s live Q&A with Chattanooga 2.0 on May 20 to hear how a peer community is using data to drive change for kids and families. Head to the event page to submit your questions for the Q&A and RSVP for the event!