To move the needle for young people, we need to identify where there is both a pressing need in our community and the will on the part of members of the network to take action and change practices when necessary. With this in mind, All Hands Raised is making the following recommendations for potential “North Star” Issue Areas to help our partnership determine where there is both the need and the will to address an issue collectively. Dive into the three issue areas below to learn about why we think these are ripe for a collective approach, or CLICK to jump to data sources.

Exploring our Potential ‘North Star’:

Educational Outcomes in Multnomah County

We know that in Multnomah County, outcomes are not where they need to be. Our students and families face many issues that create barriers to the educational outcomes we want for all students. All Hands Raised is uniquely situated to support cross-sector leaders across Multnomah County with the alignment, coordination, and acceleration of the work to improve conditions and outcomes–but first, we need to agree on where to come together.

Through our experience as a backbone organization, along with research and advice from experts, we have narrowed a long list of complex issues currently at play in Multnomah County to identify those best situated to benefit from a collective approach. The criteria we used to narrow the list is as follows:

  • Student Outcomes: What areas need the most attention for youth in Multnomah County to be able to meet their full potential? Where does the data show that our students are struggling the most to succeed, especially in areas that impact their future success?

  • Sense of Urgency: Which issues have risen to the top in our community narrative? What keeps showing up in school district priorities, news articles, family conversations, and local investments?

  • Areas of Complexity: Which problems are best solved by collaborative efforts across multiple sectors? Where are there potential gaps resulting from transition points or isolated efforts? Where are there opportunities to join forces across sectors or organizations for resources and impact?

Click the images below to learn more about the factors considered in each recommendation:

  • Current Multnomah County Outcomes

  • Community Context

A strong foundation in the early years can be a turning point that changes the course of a child’s life. Children who start school ready to learn are far more likely to read on grade level, succeed academically, and build stable futures. Those who don’t can fall behind quickly, and the gap only grows. With access to quality preschool, strong family support, and nurturing environments, children gain the skills they need to thrive. And the impact goes beyond individual children. Investments in early learning strengthen the entire community, fueling economic growth by supporting working families.

  • What makes this a cross-sector issue?

  • Collective Impact Case Studies

Attendance isn’t just about being present; it’s one of the strongest predictors of success in reading, math, and overall engagement in school. When students aren’t consistently in the classroom, they can fall behind academically, socially, and even emotionally too. Oregon’s recovery from record chronic absenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic has lagged behind the rest of the nation. That means more of our kids are at risk right now—slipping through the cracks, losing confidence, and falling off the path to graduating on time. We can’t afford to let missed days turn into missed futures.

  • Sample results statements

  • Potential target outcomes

By 2031, nearly three out of every four jobs will require education or training beyond high school. Yet without the preparation to take that next step, countless young people risk being locked out of opportunity before they even begin. Earning a postsecondary credential is directly tied to higher lifetime earnings and a better quality of life. But for many, the rising cost can be a barrier that feels impossible to overcome. The stakes go beyond individual success. Our economy, our communities, and our shared future depend on a generation that is ready to meet what comes next.

Data Sources

Early Childhood/Kindergarten Readiness

Outcome Data

Community Context

Case Studies

K - 12 Attendance

Outcome Data

Community Context

Case Studies

College and Career Readiness

Outcome Data

Community Context

Case Studies