MBK Tulsa, the journey to impact

Pre-K enrollment data highlights systemic gap

Although universal Pre-K in Oklahoma was implemented in 1998, families in specific communities in Tulsa were grappling with the dual challenges of affording childcare and coordinating work schedules. Data on average family income levels and the cost of childcare in Tulsa revealed the financial strain faced by many households and the pressing need for support. The data also highlighted disparities in Pre-K classrooms where students were underrepresented - specifically North Tulsa (predominantly Black), East Tulsa (predominantly Latinx), and West Tulsa (low-income White). 

Furthermore, the absence of Pre-K classrooms in every school within Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) indicated a systemic gap in early childhood education accessibility. The urgency for targeted intervention based on geographical areas was even more acute given the uneven distribution of resources. For example, some Midtown and South Tulsa neighborhood schools faced large waitlists, while others had vacancies. The data underscored the multifaceted challenges within the community and provided crucial insights for developing tailored strategies and initiatives. This type of challenge represented the very structural issues that MBK was created to dismantle.

Strategic collaboration & a multi-pronged approach

Understanding that systemic change required a collaborative effort, TPS partnered with ImpactTulsa, a collective impact organization that played a pivotal role in turning data into actionable change by fostering collaboration among various community sectors.

ImpactTulsa led a cross-functional Pre-K enrollment team to bring together diverse perspectives and skill sets to tackle the complex challenge in front of them. Stakeholders included TPS, parents, community members and validators, programs like Reach Out & Read, and agencies like the Tulsa Health Department and the Tulsa Housing Authority who were crucial in driving critical, broad-based decisions such as immunizations required for Pre-K enrollment. With a diverse and dedicated team, their approach enabled them to holistically address the various barriers preventing higher enrollment rates.  

After a year of persistent conversations outlining the community value, addressing data concerns, asking questions about existing policies, and exploring innovative solutions within the framework of health department policies, ImpactTulsa was able to acquire birth certificates on behalf of families. 

To further reach parents where they were, ImpactTulsa took ownership of texting families with missing documents, offering to call them for support in obtaining the required paperwork. Ultimately an alternative option was introduced which allowed families to text pictures of their enrollment documents eliminating the need for them to physically visit the enrollment center during specific open hours. 

Finally, Pre-K programming was expanded to every elementary school within TPS.

Despite these challenges, the initiative successfully overcame setbacks through persistence, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

Initiative result: 33 percent increase in pre-K enrollment among students of color

From 2013 to 2019, there was a significant 33 percent% increase in the number of students of color participating in Pre-K, indicating the initiative's success in reaching and serving a more diverse student population. Beyond the early years, longitudinal study findings revealed that students enrolled in Pre-K were 12 percent% more likely to enroll in both two-year colleges and four-year universities. Additionally, the positive link established between Tulsa Pre-K attendance and on-time high school graduation underscored the initiative's influence on long-term educational outcomes.

Signifying a dedicated focus on early education, TPS implemented key measures, including the creation of a new role – the Executive Director of Early Learning. This appointment demonstrated the city’s commitment to ensuring resources are allocated to sustain the success of Pre-K programs. 

The essence of empowering community collaboration lies in meeting the community and families where they currently stand. It involves a proactive approach, reaching out to individuals in their own contexts and understanding their unique needs and perspectives. To truly make a difference, one must be willing to venture into uncharted territories and challenge the existing norms and status quo. Innovation and progress often arise from daring to try something that hasn't been done before, pushing boundaries, and embracing the potential of new ideas and strategies. In the pursuit of positive change, the power of community collaboration becomes a catalyst for transformation, fostering a collective strength that transcends traditional boundaries and leads to meaningful impact. MBK Tulsa continues to work with its local partners to stay laser focused on this type of impact for the Boys and Young men of color who call Tulsa home.