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The Five Milestones

The Impact Pathway is designed for cross-sector teams committed to improving community outcomes using data, collaboration, and the proven C.O.R.E. Guide (formerly the Communities of Excellence Framework). The five-milestone journey equips teams to make measurable, sustainable progress on shared priorities. Built on the C.O.R.E. Guide, the Pathway provides a clear developmental path from forming a cross-sector team to achieving long-term systems change. 

Each milestone builds upon the previous one, aligning people, data, strategy, and action toward a common goal: lasting, equitable improvement in quality of life. 

The milestones meet communities where they are, allowing for customized pacing and support and reflects the core principles of process improvement, cross-sector collaboration, and results-based learning.  This approach reinforces a continuous learning cycle: insights gained from implementing and refining strategies feed back into future planning and team formation.

Download a pdf of the Five Milestones

What’s Included With Every Milestone:

Live Learning and Peer Exchange:

  • Live, expert-led virtual sessions that include peer learning, facilitated discussions, and practical exercises for each milestone.
  • Connections to other communities through our national network and milestone-based cohort groups.
  • Workshops and webinars on topics like storytelling, community engagement, systems thinking, and data-informed decision-making.

Tools and Resources:

  • Access to our custom Learning Management System (LMS) with session recordings, downloadable resources, and milestone-specific guides.
  • Ongoing access to our online Resource Library, featuring tools, templates, and promising practices from other communities.

Data and Scorecard Access:

  • Use of the C.O.R.E. Community Scorecard, which includes seven census tract–level indicators across economy, education, health, social connection, natural environment, built environment, and housing.

Community and Visibility:

  • Opportunities for visibility and recognition at our annual conference.

Coaching Support Options

In addition to milestone programming, communities have the option to add customized coaching support.  Our trained coaches provide expert guidance to help your team apply what you’re learning, work through challenges, and accelerate progress. Coaching is tailored to your goals and can include support for:

  • Team development and group dynamics.
  • Applying the C.O.R.E. Guide.
  • Interpreting and using community data.
  • Strategic planning and execution.
  • Strengthening cross-sector collaboration.
  • Preparing for recognition and storytelling opportunities.

Coaching packages can be added to any milestone and are also included at higher tiers of our Community Engagement Program.  Whether you’re looking for a few key sessions or sustained support over the year, our coaching options are designed to meet you where you are.

To learn more about coaching or request a proposal, please contact us at info@communitiesofexcellence2026.org or 619-719-1045.

About the C.O.R.E. Community Scorecard

The C.O.R.E. Community Scorecard is a shared measurement tool designed to help communities track progress on outcomes that matter. It includes nationally available census tract–level data across seven domains: economy, education, health, social connection, natural environment, built environment, and housing. It provides a common starting point and a shared language for cross-sector work.

C.O.R.E. Alumni:  Continued Learning and Support

After completing Milestone 5, teams are invited to become part of our C.O.R.E. Alumni, a space for continued learning, peer support, and shared progress.  The Alumni Program includes monthly virtual alumni sessions with facilitated discussion and community spotlights as well as ongoing access to the LMS, resource library, and updated tools.

Next Steps 

Schedule, Pricing & Packages

We offer flexible schedules and pricing for:

Flexible engagement options are available for teams, organizations, and full communities. Explore the options to see what fits best for you.

Ready to Get Started?

Complete the short interest form or contact us directly at info@connectwithcore.org or 619-719-1045.

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