Stuart Foundation

Dr. Peter Ross is the Managing Director of the Youth Thriving Through Learning Fund, a collaborative effort designed to build on unprecedented state investments in public education while reimagining the learning experience for California’s young people.   The Youth Thriving Through Learning Fund is one of two funds under the California Thriving Youth Initiative. Housed at the California Community Foundation, the Initiative is seeded with a $30 million contribution by the Stuart Foundation and currently includes 10 philanthropic partners. In addition to strategic grantmaking to nonprofits and school systems, the initiative will also convene funder and grantee partners to support collective learning and will invest in narrative and storytelling to advance a positive, inclusive vision for public education. In doing so, the initiative seeks to deepen and quilt together the individual work of its funder and grantee partners. Learn more about the Youth Thriving Through Learning Fund in this interview with Peter: https://lnkd.in/egBx-snV

Kathryn Bradley is the Director of the Purpose of Education Fund, focused on reimagining and reasserting the role of public education in promoting civic leadership and democratic participation. As a former teacher, Kathryn Bradley has seen firsthand the drive students possess to positively impact their family, school and community. The Purpose of Education Fund is one part of the California Thriving Youth Initiative. Housed at the California Community Foundation, the Initiative is seeded with a $30 million commitment by the Stuart Foundation and currently includes 10 philanthropic partners.   In addition to strategic grantmaking to nonprofits and school systems, the initiative will also convene funder and grantee partners to support collective learning and will invest in narrative and storytelling to advance a positive, inclusive vision for public education. In doing so, the initiative seeks to deepen and quilt together the individual work of its funder and grantee partners. Learn more about The Purpose of Education Fund in this interview with Kathryn: https://lnkd.in/eVvzH8r4

We are unabashed champions of California’s adolescents and we’re proud to celebrate their immense potential with this new video. Adolescents are creative, devoted to friends and family, and passionate about shaping the world they live in. Our commitment to their future is unwavering, and we hope to inspire a meaningful dialogue about how educational systems can better support and engage them for long-term success. Let us know what you think! Send us your thoughts at stories@stuartfoundation.org. https://lnkd.in/d8aC8Cmk

We’re excited to announce our 10 initial partners in the California Thriving Youth Initiative, a multi-year collaborative effort to support the learning, leadership, and well-being of CA’s adolescents. Philanthropic partners investing in one or both of the funds include: The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation; California Community Foundation; College Futures Foundation; Crankstart; William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; The Longview Foundation for Education in World Affairs and International Understanding; The James B. McClatchy Foundation; San Diego Foundation; Schott Foundation for Public Education; and Spencer Foundation. Learn more and join in our shared commitment to advance equitable public education systems that provide young people, particularly those furthest from opportunity, with the opportunities and supports they need to succeed and thrive. We welcome additional partners. https://lnkd.in/eypmCfn8

The Stuart Foundation is hiring for a Vice President of Finance and Administration! We hope you’ll take a look at the position description and also share it with people in your network. https://lnkd.in/e6yNNdj3

Are you curious about what a successfully redesigned high school looks like? The Learning Policy Institute outlines 10 key features of schools that have shifted from a ‘factory’ model of education to one that genuinely empowers students’ learning and development. 1. Positive developmental relationships  2. Safe, inclusive school climate  3. Culturally responsive and sustaining teaching  4. Deeper learning curriculum  5. Student-centered pedagogy  6. Authentic assessment  7. Well-prepared and well-supported teachers  8. Authentic family engagement  9. Community connections and integrated student supports  10. Shared decision-making and leadership https://lnkd.in/ecwsGpAB

There’s now a statewide view of dual enrollment for public high school students! The key takeaways from Policy Analysis for California Education: About 10 percent of all 9th through 12th graders enrolled in a community college course in 2021–22. While dual enrollment participation is low overall for 9th grade, participation is more equitable than in later grades. Opportunities for dual enrollment vary widely by county. Explore the full infographic here: https://lnkd.in/gY2wf8Nh

It can be hard to understand all the different education initiatives underway in California. But there’s good news! A new report from Arizona State University Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College finds that using a whole-child lens can help educators and state leaders understand the common threads and opportunities across different programs. Take a look at the executive summary: https://lnkd.in/e3Mp4Nyr

We were honored to be part of the White House Youth Policy Summit 2024 which was a chance for federal leaders to hear directly from young people on how to shape policies and programs. It was inspiring to see many partners and grantees presenting including Community Schools Learning Exchange, the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent, YR Media, Jobs for the Future (JFF), and the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. #WHyouthsummit24

The California Children’s Report Card is here, and it shows that there’s plenty of room for improvement. While California has made tremendous progress for young people by delivering on health insurance access, free school meals and paid family leave, it’s falling behind many states in key well-being indicators. Review the grades across 33 categories, and the recommendations from Children Now that can ensure a bright future for our young people. https://lnkd.in/eaUy33Nw