Our Vision
Every student—inclusive of race, ZIP code and socioeconomic status—should have access to an affirming education that provides a sense of agency in life and prepares them to succeed on their chosen path.
We aspire to help shape a public education system in the United States that values all students equally and ensures they have the same opportunities to graduate high school ready for college and careers.
Together with our partners, we strive to help every student access an empowering standards-aligned, culturally relevant education that serves as a building block to a life of freedom and dignity.
The Opportunity
In the U.S., a strong education is the gateway to financial security, to the ability to support a family, and to living in freedom and with dignity. Yet far too often, a high-quality education isn’t accessible to Black and Latino students from low-income communities.
Expanding access to a high-quality education demands a diverse and skilled educator workforce equipped with high-quality training and instructional materials. It demands supportive and engaging classroom and school environments. It demands equitable policies that advocate for what students and teachers need.
We pursue our vision for public education by investing in one of our most important assets: our teachers. They are at the heart of the movement to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education.
+$250K
Increase in lifetime earning potential for students with quality teachers. (Source)
44%
Of teachers leave the profession within just five years. (Source)
2 in 5
Public schools have no teachers of color on staff. (Source)
3.6x
The rate at which classrooms with mostly white students receive grade-appropriate lessons compared with classrooms with mostly students of color. (Source)
Our Focus Areas
Through four focus areas, we support our partners in building an equitable education system for all students.
Excellent Educators
We help build a diverse educator workforce that reflects the students they serve and is supported with training, knowledge and skills to help their students realize their full potential.
High-Quality Teaching
We invest in expanding on-grade level, meaningful and affirming learning that challenges students to grow and prepares them to succeed.
Affirming School Environments
We help shape equitable and welcoming school environments designed to increase the effectiveness of instruction and support both teacher and student learning.
Policy and Public Understanding
We support education policies that elevate the voices of students, teachers and leaders of color in advocating for what they need in the classroom.
Our Grantees
The organizations we support work tirelessly to ensure every student receives an engaging, affirming, meaningful education, appropriate to grade level. Meet some of our incredible partners.
View more grantees in our Education Grantmaking portfolioBuilding a Pipeline of Diverse Educators
Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity (BranchED) is the first and only nonprofit organization in the U.S. dedicated to strengthening, growing and amplifying the impact of educator preparation at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).
Investing in the Genius of Young People
Through partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation provides promising student leaders with full-tuition scholarships, ongoing mentorship and support from matriculation to graduation.
Bringing Black Teachers to Every School
The Center for Black Educator Development is dramatically increasing the number of Black educators so that all students can reap the full benefits of a quality public education.
Nurturing Leaders of Color
Education Leaders of Color (EdLoC) is a membership organization dedicated to elevating the leadership, voices and influence of people of color in education and leading more inclusive and sustainable efforts to improve education.
Expanding Access to Top Curricula
Open Up Resources partners with leading curriculum writing experts and technologists to provide school districts with the best curricula available via traditional print and state-of-the-art digital platforms.
Committing to Latino Success
Through grassroots recruiting, fellowships and advocacy, Latinos for Education brings Latino leaders to the forefront of creating a more effective and fair education for Latino students.