Last month's Portland-area headlines about no improvement in Oregon's high school graduation rates were not what anyone wanted to read. Despite these persistent headlines, there is groundbreaking work happening to change outcomes for kids and families in this community.

Eight years ago, local leaders, ignited by the low graduation rates and inspired by the national StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network, created the All Hand Raised Partnership. Its purpose is to transform systems to improve education outcomes for children, youth and young adults. The leaders share a commitment to move from talk to action and ensure the success of children, especially kids of color and kids in poverty. Today, the All Hands Raised Partnership is posting positive results and is a national model for communities across the country.