First Things First Named Among Top 25 Innovations in American Government by Harvard University

On May 2, Harvard University acknowledged First Things First (FTF) as one of the Top 25 Innovations in American Government as part of a nation-wide awards competition that recognizes creative and solution-oriented governing.

The Top 25 Innovations in American Government were selected by a team of policy experts, researchers, and practitioners at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University.  The initiatives chosen represent the work of city, state, and federal governments, and address policy issues like economic development, environmental and community revitalization, public health, equal access to education, criminal justice, and healthcare.

First Things First’s application focused on an innovative, citizen-led governance structure that engages Arizonans as volunteer leaders to ensure that Arizona’s early childhood development funds are invested in strategies that improve outcomes for young children statewide.

“First Things First’s innovative governance model reflects the very essence of citizen engagement,” Chief Executive Officer Sam Leyvas said. “Our unique structure empowers communities, ensuring that public programs reflect their unique needs and making them an integral part of enhancing school readiness for the children in their area.”

Advocacy & Communication Solutions, LLC (ACS) has partnered with FTF and organizations like them to initiate and advance a holistic approach to helping our nation’s young children get the best start in school and life. Learn more about ACS’s successes with First Things First here and read the press release about FTF’s recognition from the Ash Center here..

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