On February 28, United Way of Greater Knoxville hosted the Early Care and Education Summit, bringing together community leaders, educators, and early childhood advocates to celebrate the progress of Bright Steps, a collaborative initiative dedicated to strengthening early childhood systems in Greater Knoxville. The event highlighted our collective impact over the past two years and paved the way for our next Bright Steps forward.
Shared Commitment to Early Childhood Education
The summit underscored the critical role that initiatives like Bright Steps play in ensuring children have the strong start they need to succeed. In her opening remarks, City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon emphasized the power of investing in our young learners, stating: “Every dollar we spend, every person we support who does this early care and education work is really saving lives and enriching people. Thanks to Bright Steps, we now have a clearer picture of the resources available—and what’s still needed.”
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs echoed the importance of expanding early learning opportunities, adding: “Expanding access to early learning remains crucial to ensure that every child receives the foundational skills necessary for academic and social success.”
The event showcased the real impact of these initiatives, beginning with a heartfelt performance by the children of Olive Tree Early Learning Academy. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of why investing in early education is essential—not just for individual children, but for the future of our entire community.
Collaboration and Leadership in Action
The summit featured insights from local and national leaders committed to early childhood education.
UWGK Interim CEO Chrystal Armstrong Brown reflected on the collective impact of the work being done, stating: “We are convening about 3,000 people each month to discuss how we can unite to build thriving communities. Several initiatives have emerged from these conversations, and Bright Steps was the first to come to life.” She highlighted the power of collaboration, noting: “Nearly 1,000 people contributed to our region’s first early care strategic plan. Now, we are seeing beautiful work happening across East Tennessee as partners come together to create lasting change.”
The keynote speaker, Jammie Albert, M.Ed., Program Director at the National League of Cities, led an engaging discussion on the future of early childhood education. Albert emphasized the importance of innovation, policy advancement, and local partnerships in driving sustainable solutions for early learning.
Bright Steps: Two Years of Impact
A key highlight of the summit was celebrating Bright Steps’ two-year journey and its measurable impact on early childhood education in East Tennessee. UWGK’s Early Care and Education impact work was celebrated as well. The 2024 annual report was showcased, highlighting our many accomplishments in the early education field, including:
- Providing 17,340+ hours of tutoring to students in need
- Engaging 1,500+ students in high-impact academic support through afterschool programs
- Expanding to four community partners, strengthening regional collaboration
- Supporting 36 tutoring sites across the region
- Serving 6,400+ students in 16 Knox County Schools
- Employing 16 full-time coordinators to directly support students and schools
- Leveraging $1.17 million in in-kind donations, reinforcing program sustainability
- Connecting 3,142 students with additional resources to remove learning barriers
- Serving 2,400 meals to families at 16 community engagement events
Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger Future
As the summit concluded, one message was clear: the momentum behind early childhood education in Knoxville is stronger than ever.
One summit attendee shared, “Bright Steps has unified early care efforts. Organizations are communicating better, and community-wide solutions are starting to emerge.”
Another early care and education stakeholder expressed, “This initiative fuels my passion for ensuring all children have access to high-quality early education.”
The Early Care and Education Summit was more than one event—it was a testament to what’s possible when communities unite and work together around a shared vision. With continued investment, collaboration, and advocacy, we can create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive—one Bright Step at a time.
Thank You to Our Supporters
We want to say a special thank you to our early care and education council members: Hope Denny, Beth Lackey, Adam Fritts, Allison Douglas, Bonnie Ortiz, Jonathan Scoonover, Amber Knapper, Kristin Dunn, Lauren Longmire, Sheena Johnson, Javiette Samuel, Jennifer Searle, Megan Barolet-Fogarty, Rhonda Smithson, Tracy Liebermann, Mike Taylor, and Patty Bowlin. Their commitment to building a brighter future for our young learners is making a big impact.
We also want to thank Food City for being our 2025 Early Care and Education sponsor. Their support helped make this event possible.
Join Us in Strengthening Early Childhood Education
With your support, we can continue expanding access to high-quality early education, breaking down barriers, and creating brighter futures for children in our community. Donate today and be a part of the movement to give every child the strong start they deserve.
