A zip code should not determine a child's success: Denver education compact gathers leaders from education, business, government and the community to improve outcomes for students.

• Author: Pena, Theresa
• Position: GUEST column

FOR TOO LONG IN URBAN CITIES LIKE DENVER, a child's zip code has determined educational and economic outcomes. Nationally, a child living in poverty has a l-in-10 chance of graduating from college. Forecasts identify 70 percent of all new jobs created in the next decade will require post-high school educational training.

Mayor Michael Hancock created the Denver Education Compact to address this challenge. The goal is to work with leaders across sectors to improve educational outcomes for children in I Denver. thus creating stronger economic outcomes for the city. This is an organization dedicated lo getting things done by advancing die performance of cradle-to-career initiatives for Denver kids.

The Compacts executive committee will work with educational institutions dial serve children up to 21 years old to identify key outcomes that, if accelerated. would provide enhanced educational success for Denver youth. Examples of goals being considered include: making sure every child is reach for school, that they graduate from high school and are ready for a career, that they earn a college degree or career credentials.

The compact was kicked off in October with participation from leaders in business, philanthropy, education, and the community along with the co-chairs of the Denver Compact: Mayor Michael Hancock, Denver Public Schools Superintendent Tom Boasberg and CEO of Colorado Kaiser permanente. Donna Lynne. The business community involvement with our executive committee include CEO level leadership from BEVA Compass. Colorado Kaiser Permaneme. Davila Inc.. Denver Metro Chamber of "Commerce. Entravision Communications, JP Morgan Chase & Co.. Oakwood Home's. and Sage Hospitality.

Once the executive committee has selected and prioritized three to live goals, it will create subcommittees to begin work to accelerate progress. The subcommittees will be chaired by members of the executive team and community organizations: eventually the program will include participation from hundreds of people.

Each member of the executive committee signed a pledge lo contribute lime, resources or talent and to make a minimum two-year commitment. The first contribution to the Compact was by the University of Colorado Denver. Chancellor Jerry Wartgow agreed m lend Janet Lopez, CI Denver's director of P-20 Education Initiatives to the Cumpact as the interim...