American Consortium for Equity in Education’s Post

Equitable access to high-quality education is foundational to breaking systemic barriers and, for that reason, is a key focus area of the purpose work we’re focused on at Deloitte. As we approach back-to-school season, I want to share some incredible work behind UnboundEd’s merger with Pivot Learning and its transformative impact on improving instruction in school districts, especially for racially and ethnically diverse students. It’s a story of meaningful collaboration in so many ways: our Monitor Institute, with its deep understanding of social impact-focused organizations, and Deloitte’s commercial M&A practice combining forces on a pro bono basis to support bringing these two organizations together. And UnboundEd and Pivot Learning themselves, serving as an example of amplified impact through collaboration. As a result of the merger, the new integrated UnboundEd is now the largest K-12 educator development organization in the United States—helping to make their equity-centered approach one of the strongest forces in the industry. Read more about their story: https://deloi.tt/3yLyq43

⭐ Challenge launch announcement ⭐ Today, Siegel Family Endowment and Walton Family Foundation launched the #LearningLandscapes Challenge, a $2.2 million competition to design and build future-ready K-12 education environments. Phase 1 invites changemakers to propose infrastructure solutions that deliver and connect digital, in-school, and community-based learning experiences. With major environmental, political, and technological shifts already underway, the education system’s need to adapt is greater than ever. Across the United States, forward-thinking education innovators are already experimenting with highly effective models of personalized and experiential learning — but their solutions face barriers to adoption and scale. The Learning Landscapes challenge will unfold across three phases designed to identify and support concepts and teams with the potential to achieve tangible, transformative impact — while laying the foundation to scale innovative learning beyond a single community. Visit the Learning Landscapes website to learn more and register for the March 13 virtual information session. https://lnkd.in/etakXvgy 

  The Learning Landscapes Challenge, sponsored by Siegel Family Endowment and the Walton Family Foundation, is a $2.2 million competition to design and build future-ready K-12 education environments in the United States. The Challenge seeks infrastructure solutions, including physical, digital, and social tools, structures, resources, and systems, that deliver and connect digital, in-school, and community-based learning experiences. Phase 1 of the Challenge is open to individuals, groups of individuals, organizations, or coalitions of organizations, and up to 40 winners will each receive $5,000 as well as an invitation to the Phase 2 accelerator. In Phase 2, up to five winners will each receive $200,000 and an invitation to the Phase 3 incubator. In Phase 3, up to two grand-prize winners will receive $500,000 each. Call 516.410.4895, or email clolataylor@gmail.com for a free fee quote to have us write your entire proposal, or edit your draft, for a reasonable flat fee. https://lnkd.in/e7pG8BeW Bev Browning Holly Rustick

We have big news to share -- the Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI) is starting a new chapter as an independent organization! I'm thrilled to serve as its first Executive Director, alongside the incredible Melissa Moritz, Timothy Michalak, and Megan Zabik -- the best team in the education R&D business. And we're grateful to Chike Aguh, Brienne Bellavita, Karen Cator, and Daniel Correa for serving as ALI's inaugural Advisory Committee! The progress we've made and this next step would not be possible without the support of our extraordinary Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI) Coalition members; partners at the Walton Family Foundation, the Federation of American Scientists, The Learning Agency, Lewis-Burke Associates LLC; and many individuals like Romy Drucker, Brienne Bellavita, Claire Voorhees, Alix Liss, Michele Leardo, Joanna Cannon, Michael Ledford, William Otto Katt, Lindsay Fryer, Ulrich Boser, Tasha Hensley, Meg Benner, Erin Mote, Bethany Little, Dan Gordon, Julia Wolf, M.Ed., Karinna Gerhardt, Faith Savaiano, Miriam Quintal, Amanda Bruno, Oscar Carballo Jr., Kari McCarron, William Porter, Ila Deshmukh Towery, PhD, Aryana Bolourian, M.Ed, Kristin Herrmann, to name just a few. Stay tuned for a lot more from this amazing team! In the meantime, read the press release: https://lnkd.in/eG_EQcif and follow our page to stay updated on all things ALI. #educationresearch #innovation

Let's uncover new possibilities for lifelong learning and equitable economic futures! Join us on 6/18 for a thought-provoking discussion on workforce training pathways. As the landscape continues to evolve, it's imperative for funders to explore innovative solutions for economic mobility for all.   Our panel of esteemed speakers includes Carolynn Lee from Ascendium Education Group, Noah Mitchell from Per Scholas, Frieda Molina from MDRC, Rebecca Taber Staehelin from Merit America and Garrett Yursza Warfield, PhD from Year Up. These experts from nonprofit workforce training organizations, plus a researcher and a grantmaker, will shed light on the transformative impact of short-term sectoral training programs. Together, we'll delve into workforce pathways, plus impacts on "traditional" higher education and implications for funders.   Let's pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Learn more & register: https://bit.ly/44k0VkN #Education #WorkforceDevelopment #Equity

In 2019, a group of one hundred education leaders made a bold pledge to ensure that learner-centered education reaches every child in the country. In this piece, Demi Edwards explores how this pledge is taking shape in communities across the country. With the launch of the Learner-Centered Ecosystem Exploration Lab, we are exploring alongside a dozen communities how learning is embedded into the fabric of local systems while building cross-sector coalitions that fuel innovation and create lasting change. https://bit.ly/4dsj6Ye

Our latest blog post explores PropelNext, a robust cohort-based model designed to strengthen organizations and their internal capacity for learning. Steven LaFrance describes how LFA, along with our coaching team and partners, evolved this approach over a decade to reflect principles of equity in practice. https://lnkd.in/guvMXZA2

Great piece on how the education sector continues to attract private equity interest, with Avathon Capital leading the way in shaping the future of this dynamic and resilient market!

Back to school season is here! Buyouts September cover story, by Iris Dorbian, is a timely exploration of private equity’s expanding role in education. We are proud to see Avathon Capital and our Managing Partner, Shoshana Vernick, featured in this insightful piece, highlighting the increasing opportunities for private equity investment in the education sector. With the global education market projected to reach $8 trillion by 2030, according to Morgan Stanley research, Avathon is uniquely positioned to capture this momentum. We’re leveraging our expertise and passion to unlock the full potential of businesses that address critical needs in education and workforce markets. From early childhood education to professional learning platforms, our portfolio reflects our commitment to scalability, innovation, and generating positive societal outcomes. As the sector continues to grow, private equity can play a pivotal role in fostering the evolution and innovation necessary to meet today’s educational challenges. Read the article to learn more about how Avathon is committed to shaping the future of this dynamic and resilient market here: https://lnkd.in/gHGjmTu8 Find the full Buyouts September back-to-school feature on private equity investment in education here: https://lnkd.in/gaSkWz-t

Throwback to 2017: when I had the privilege of visiting a school for CSR monitoring. 📚 It was heartening to see the next generation in their school uniforms, eager to learn and grow. Today, as I reflect on the impact of our CSR initiatives, I firmly believe that testimonials speak louder than impact assessments. The genuine stories and experiences shared by these young minds remind us why investing in education is key for shaping a brighter future. Let's continue to support and empower the next generation. #csr #education #nextgeneration #ImpactThroughTestimonials