The OPT-in network brings together experts in the fields of foster care and education to collectively define the problem and create a shared vision to solve it. OPT-in’s goal to increase postsecondary credentials among youth who have been in foster care supports Future Ready Iowa’s efforts to have 70% of Iowans with education and training beyond high school by 2025.

Partner organizations agree to track progress in the same way, which allows for continuous improvement. A shared measurement strategy, tracking collaborative efforts, will be established.

Each partner in the OPT-in College Access Network plays a role in the postsecondary opportunities and success for youth in and alumni of foster care. As a part of the network, partners agree to coordinate collective efforts to maximize the end results.

In order to build trust and relationships among all participants, the network is prioritizing continuous communication through the development of various networking activities

As the collective impact backbone organization, CCDC provides a team dedicated to orchestrating the work of the group. This includes the OPT-in Coordinator, who promotes and executes the overall strategic direction of the network, and the Fiscal Agent, who administers the network budget and resources.