Established in 2014

In 2008, the Racine County Workforce Development Board embraced the creation of a workforce development strategy with the vision of a workforce that will be fully employed by the year 2020. Educational, private, public, non-profit, and faith-based organizations met to address the root causes of chronic underemployment in the county, particularly for the inner city of Racine. 

After spending several years creating the foundation for collaborative work, 2014 was the official start-up year for the Higher Expectations collective impact initiative. This initiative builds on the original Higher Expectations workforce development plan and is developing a powerful, multi-year career to cradle partnership in Racine County.

Our Network

Higher Expectations of Racine County is a member of the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network. StriveTogether is a national movement with a clear purpose: helping every child succeed in school and life from cradle to career, regardless of race, zip code or circumstance. In partnership with nearly 70 communities across the country, StriveTogether provides resources, best practices and processes to give every child every chance for success. The StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network reaches 13.7 million students and has partners in 30 states and Washington, D.C.

We were designated a Systems Transformation organization in StriveTogether’s Theory of Action in 2023.

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

  • Higher Expectations engages community partners, aligns efforts, and maximizes resources to promote excellence and equity in education and employment outcomes in Racine County.

  • A Racine County workforce that is fully capable and employed.

  • Transformative

    We work to disrupt the status quo, so that systems will support and shift power to low-income individuals and communities of color. 

    Community

    We amplify community power by sharing our access to high level spaces and developing local leaders’ capacity to make collaborative decisions with the community. 

    Strategic

    Through the use of data and analysis, and in partnership with community and key stakeholders, we prioritize major goals and initiatives that lead to systems transformation.