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Updates

Early Childhood Development|June 16, 2023

Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Will Chair the Board of Directors of The Hunt Institute

Former United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will succeed The Hunt Institute's founder and namesake Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. as Chair of the Board, alongside former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez who succeeds Thomas Lambeth as vice chair.

Early Childhood Development|June 14, 2023

Anti-Poverty Aid Offers Brain Boost

Children's' developing brains are altered by the corrosive effects of poverty. Studies show that the effects of poverty can be mitigated when families have more resources, and in states with more generous safety-net programs, children from low-income families have brains that are closer in size to their wealthier peers.

K-12 Education|June 6, 2023

Six Takeaways from Major New Stanford Study on Charter Schools

A new study from the CREDO center at Stanford shows that charter school students are now outpacing their peers in traditional public schools in math and reading achievement, cementing a long-term trend of positive charter school outcomes.

Environmental Innovation|April 28, 2023

A Security Camera for the Planet: New Satellite Aims to Pinpoint Emissions of Methane — A Gas that Plays a Major Role in Global Warming

A new space-based scientific instrument called the Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory, or GeoCarb, is funded by the Environmental Defense Fund and can scan land in the Western Hemisphere continuously, taking meticulous measurements of three carbon-based gases: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane.

Environmental Innovation|April 11, 2023

VIDEO: Bill Nye Describes the Dangers of Methane Emissions — Particularly in the Short Term

Bill Nye describes (in lay terms) why we should care about methane when addressing the climate crisis — particularly in the short term.

K-12 Education|April 10, 2023

Venture Capital Firm Reach Capital Raises $215M to Invest in Education Tech

Edtech venture capital firm Reach Capital announced on April 10, 2023, that it has raised $215 million to invest in tech startups that are focused on addressing gaps in education. With the new fund, its largest yet, it plans to back companies located in the U.S. and abroad, especially in Latin America.

Collaborative Philanthropy|April 1, 2023

VIDEO: The Pursuit of the American Dream with The Clean Slate Initiative

More than 30 million people in the US are eligible to have their arrest and conviction records cleared — but most people who qualify either can't afford it or simply don't know it's an option. In this gripping talk, second chance advocate and 2023 Audacious Project grantee Sheena Meade makes the case for "clean slate" laws that streamline this complicated process, increasing access to work, housing and education opportunities for millions of people. Learn how her team at the Clean Slate Initiative has already helped pass these laws in six US states and how they're now working to unlock record clearance for millions more, so everyone can get a true shot at becoming their best selves.

Early Childhood Development|March 23, 2023

First Five Years Fund’s Executive Director Sarah Rittling Testifies Before Key House Committee on Child Care Funding

First Five Years Fund's Executive Director Sarah Rittling appeared before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies on March 23, 2023, to testify about the importance of robust federal funding for early learning and child care programs in FY2024.

Valhalla Update|March 20, 2023

Valhalla Trustees Announce Founding President’s Departure: Amy Rodde to Leave at End of June, will Remain on Successor Board

Valhalla’s founding President, Amy Rodde, has decided to leave Valhalla at the end of June after nine years leading our philanthropy.

K-12 Education|February 28, 2023

Imagine Worldwide Unlocks Progress and Personalizing Learning for Children in Liberia and Sierra Leone

In countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone, organizations like Imagine Worldwide are advancing evidence-based, affordable solutions that are increasing student outcomes in reading and math.