The Continuum of Learning arose out of concerns among local leaders about the United States’ slipping in global rankings of educational attainment and labor market changes necessitating a more educated workforce. In light of this emerging reality, they wondered: what should and could Sangamon County be doing to assure that its children, teenagers, and young adults are progressing successfully through each stage of their development and poised to contribute to the region’s economy?

          Interest in answering this question bubbled up at different places in the community at about the same time. There was enough intersection among those involved that it was not long before they realized they were having the same conversation and that it might be more efficient and effective to bring it all together under one umbrella.  When it was formed in 2005, the Continuum of Learning was initially a partnership among the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Central Illinois, and, later, the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, in addition to dozens of community volunteers.

          In 2015, through the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership’s efforts, the Continuum of Learning released the Sangamon Success report, a set of 25 recommendations for improving education outcomes for youth who are less-advantaged in Sangamon County through evidence-based programs.  With this shift toward using research evidence to inform the Continuum of Learning’s decision-making, in 2016, the Sangamon Success report became the first road map for Innovate Springfield’s Social Innovation Program.  In 2017, Innovate Springfield, Springfield Public Schools District 186, and Lincoln Land Community College’s Workforce Development joined the Continuum’s Leadership Council.  At the same time, the Continuum launched its Community Partners Network, a group of service providers and community members who serve as a sounding board and meet quarterly to provide feedback on the Continuum’s strategic direction.