FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Innovators are leading efforts to improve schools, teaching, and learning.
Oakland, CA — [October 15, 2024] — NewSchools Venture Fund today announced $13.4 million in funding for 54 ventures tackling some of the most pressing challenges in public education, from building innovative schools to rethinking how teachers work. This investment is part of NewSchools’ three-year strategy to create an education system that not only delivers for students today but also prepares them to lead and tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
“By supporting these visionary teams, we’re not just investing in schools — we’re investing in the future leaders and problem solvers our society needs,” said Frances Messano, CEO of NewSchools. “We couldn’t be more excited about the potential impact these ventures will have on students and communities across the country.”
The overwhelming response to NewSchools’ funding opportunities this year — drawing over 1,100 applications — demonstrates the sustained energy from entrepreneurs and educators to reimagine education. After a thorough review of applications, 54 of the most promising teams were selected to receive flexible funding and expert support for a year, with grants ranging from $150,000 to $250,000.
Of the venture leaders funded, 58% are people of color, 63% are women, and 85% are former educators. These ventures will operate across 29 states, with 16 organizations working nationally. The diversity among these leaders reflects NewSchools’ commitment to invest in innovators whose backgrounds and perspectives are essential for addressing the needs of all students, particularly those furthest from opportunity. NewSchools engaged advisory boards — researchers, educators, and parents — to make its funding decisions, ensuring that these investments align with the real needs of students and schools.
Funding and support from NewSchools will help leaders realize their bold visions for strong, sustainable schools and organizations that improve outcomes for all learners, including students of color, students with learning differences, and those experiencing poverty.
The cohort includes teams creating new schools that provide students with a strong academic foundation, along with essential habits, mindsets, and skills needed for success in life. Founders are designing schools that blend career and technical education, dual enrollment, and industry internships to give students more pathways to future careers. Many use project-based learning and competency-based education to help students build important skills, think critically, and solve real-world problems, preparing them for success beyond high school.
Other teams are developing solutions to help K-8 students accelerate their growth in literacy and math during these critical years for building foundational skills. These innovations include tools, content, and models that personalize learning and leverage research and technologies to create student-centered classrooms that support every learner’s progress.
Additionally, ventures are reimagining the educator workforce by evolving how teachers work, using AI to make research-based instructional practices more accessible, and involving caregivers and community partners to support schools. These initiatives will make teaching a more sustainable, effective, and fulfilling profession that attracts diverse educators.
NewSchools also funded organizations dedicated to improving outcomes for students with learning differences. These teams are addressing key opportunity areas, including professional development for educators, postsecondary resources for students with disabilities, and strategies to recruit and retain special education teachers.
“Our investment in these 54 ventures is an investment in the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to shape the future of education,” Messano added. “We believe these solutions will drive meaningful, lasting change in classrooms and communities.”
The next funding opportunity opens on October 29. To receive an alert, join our mailing list.
