At a convening of more than 600 leaders from across the country, StriveTogether presented Dr. Thomas J. Lasley II with the Bill Henningsgaard Cradle to Career Champion Award. Dr. Lasley is the founder, CEO emeritus and director of policy at Learn to Earn Dayton.
Named in memory of a tireless advocate for youth from Eastside Pathways in Bellevue, Washington, this national award is presented each year to a member of the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network who embodies the passion, commitment and persistence Henningsgaard modeled.
As an educational trailblazer, Dr. Lasley fights to reduce achievement gaps in Ohio and nationally. After serving as dean of education at the University of Dayton, he founded Learn to Earn Dayton to increase the number of adults in Montgomery County, Ohio, with a college degree/credential to 60%.
Dr. Lasley is a recognized authority in the educational field. He has helped shape policy and legislation surrounding the science of reading, attainment outcomes, FAFSA completion, student debt mitigation and more. His commitment to data means his work gets results, impacting the lives of thousands of students and families in tangible ways. His vision and collaborative leadership helped Learn to Earn Dayton develop data-driven best practices in achieving cradle-to-career outcomes, earning StriveTogether’s Systems Transformation designation.
Learn to Earn Dayton CEO, Stacy Wall Schweikhart, who nominated Dr. Lasley for the award, said, “Tom has dedicated his career to being the most recognized and respected champion for students in Ohio, and across the country. He combines his intellect, relational expertise and a deep passion for education to align partners, address policy and advocate for the changes necessary to close gaps in student achievement. We are incredibly proud that his many years of leadership were recognized nationally with this prestigious award from StriveTogether.”
As a member of the Cradle to Career Network, Learn to Earn Dayton is part of a national movement to help every child succeed in school and in life, regardless of race, ethnicity, zip code or circumstance. Learn to Earn Dayton is leading regional efforts including early grade reading proficiency, chronic absenteeism, student voice, two-generation supports, and career pathways.