Early Childhood Development|June 14, 2023
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
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 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
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
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
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 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’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
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.
Early Childhood Development|February 23, 2023
With rare bipartisan support, governors across the country are prioritizing child care and early education, with two-thirds of America’s governors highlighting its importance in their 2023 state of the state addresses.