Core Topics
- Impact Story
By
From the beginning, NewSchools has pioneered new ways of funding innovation in public education. Today, I’m as convinced as ever that venture philanthropy still has a powerful role to play in advancing education and that we must lead with equity, collaboration, and courage as our guiding principles.
- Uncategorized
- Media Coverage
EdWeek Market Brief Managing Editor Sean Cavanagh spoke recently with Messano about how her organization is trying to foster diversity within the industry through its investments, and what it will take to make progress across the broader K-12 market.
- Media Coverage
Participatory grantmaking: It isn’t a term that rolls off the tongue, and yet many people in the philanthropy world are talking about it these days. It describes the process of including community members in grantmaking decisions. As GrantCraft put it in a 2018 report, “participatory grantmaking cedes decision-making power about funding—including the strategy and criteria behind those decisions—to the very communities that funders aim to serve.”
- Announcements
NewSchools’ Racial Equity Council has selected a group of innovators to receive $1.5 million in funding. These innovators are disrupting racial inequities and advancing the wellbeing and achievement of students in Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities.
- Announcements
By
Even in normal times, raising money from philanthropy for a new organization or innovative idea is an arduous and intimidating process. But things aren’t normal right now, and for many innovators, fundraising feels harder than ever.
- Media Coverage
Participatory grantmaking: It isn’t a term that rolls off the tongue, and yet many people in the philanthropy world are talking about it these days. It describes the process of including community members in grantmaking decisions. As GrantCraft put it in a 2018 report, “participatory grantmaking cedes decision-making power about funding—including the strategy and criteria behind those decisions—to the very communities that funders aim to serve.”
- Announcements
The past year has laid bare the pernicious effects of structural racism and its impact on people of color, especially Black Americans. Through George Floyd’s life and death, and the recent trial, we are reminded of the moral imperative of racial justice. Yesterday’s verdict brings some measure of accountability. But there is much more work to be done.
- Insight Briefs
Earlier this year, we released an analysis of the tools teachers said they were using most often in our 2019 survey with Gallup on “Education Technology Use in Schools.” In that analysis, we found that most teachers were using different digital learning tools, painting a picture of a highly-fragmented marketplace.
- Insight Briefs
In 2019, NewSchools partnered with Gallup to release “Education Technology Use in Schools,” a comprehensive report to better understand ed tech’s perceptions and usage. This past summer, we conducted a follow-up survey of parents, teachers, and students to evaluate how ed tech’s engagement may be changing in the pandemic context.
- Reports
Schools, students and families will need to work together in new and creative ways this fall as millions of students go back to school virtually. In n...
- Media Coverage
Despite pressure from President Donald Trump for schools to offer in-person instruction this fall, many students in states such as California and in 17 of the 20 biggest school districts in the nation will start the year online.
- Insight Briefs
- Press Releases
We’re excited to announce a new funding opportunity focused on GenAI math tutoring solutions built on specialized foundation models. This initiative focuses on cutting-edge math tutoring solutions that can increase accuracy, lower costs, and make personalized, high-quality learning accessible to all students. Through a grant opportunity of up to $300,000 that includes partnerships with top researchers, we will provide ventures with tailored technical assistance, product feedback, piloting and evaluation support. Applications are due by April 18, 2025.
- Impact Story
By
Uncertainty about the future of K-12 education has ignited a debate: Should schools prioritize research-based instruction or an engagement-first strategy that centers student enthusiasm and curiosity?
- Impact Story
For as long as there have been people, there have been folks predicting what the future might hold. And, recently at NewSchools, our team spent a whol
- Reports
By
Despite signs of academic recovery, new data reveals that public school students, especially younger ones, are significantly behind, with achievement gaps widening between low-income and affluent students. As school leaders urgently seek solutions, it’s worth asking: What if the answers have been right in front of us all along — in innovative public schools with exceptional results?
- Announcements
This month Bright Spots, a new live, interactive series hosted by NewSchools debuted on LinkedIn. We’re excited to connect with more education innovators and stakeholders in real-time and lift up what’s working during this time of rebuilding and reinvention in education.
- Announcements
By
This is a tough time to be in education. For teachers and school leaders navigating a third wave of the pandemic and fighting to deliver an excellent education, there are no “time outs.” Education philanthropy has a shared responsibility to support educators who are responding to unrelenting demands every day.
- Impact Story
By
Here at NewSchools, we kicked off 2021 with the launch of a new three-year strategy, focused on four investment areas: Innovative Public Schools, Learning Solutions, Diverse Leaders, and Racial Equity. Our team is energized by the tremendous response from education innovators and leaders across the country.
- Video Stories
By
If there was ever a time to imagine a more equitable future for our young people, it’s now. We know that an excellent education is central to this vision and that we can’t get there without rethinking the educational approaches of the past.
- Impact Story
By
Uncertainty about the future of K-12 education has ignited a debate: Should schools prioritize research-based instruction or an engagement-first strategy that centers student enthusiasm and curiosity?
- Announcements
In February 2016, NewSchools launched the Middle & High School Math Ed Tech Challenge – open to entrepreneurs developing engaging, technology-enab...
- Announcements
In August 2017, NewSchools Venture Fund launched the Early Learning Ed Tech Challenge – open to entrepreneurs developing technology-enabled learning e...
Based on knowledge developed through the Middle & High School Math Challenge, this resource summarizes findings and lessons learned from market research and our support of the challenge winners.
- Announcements
- Impact Story
By
Uncertainty about the future of K-12 education has ignited a debate: Should schools prioritize research-based instruction or an engagement-first strategy that centers student enthusiasm and curiosity?
- Announcements
In August 2017, NewSchools Venture Fund launched the Early Learning Ed Tech Challenge – open to entrepreneurs developing technology-enabled learning e...
- Media Coverage
The following post was originally published on <a href="https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-08-14-early-learning-faces-obstacles-and-inequities-here-s-h
- Impact Story
Ten years ago, Antoinette Banks was in Los Angeles navigating the educational system for her daughter with autism and ADHD. Her child, often seen through the lens of labels, was in reality brimming with untapped potential.
- Impact Story
By
As a sibling of a person with severe disabilities and special educator for 20 years, I know firsthand the power in fully seeing our youth and providing them with their fundamental right to a real education.
- Reports
The following is a synopsis on the current landscape of special education within U.S. public education. While realizing technology is the not the pana...
- Announcements
In February 2017, NewSchools Venture Fund launched the Special Education Ed Tech Challenge – open to entrepreneurs developing engaging, technology-ena...
- Press Releases
We’re excited to announce a new funding opportunity focused on GenAI math tutoring solutions built on specialized foundation models. This initiative focuses on cutting-edge math tutoring solutions that can increase accuracy, lower costs, and make personalized, high-quality learning accessible to all students. Through a grant opportunity of up to $300,000 that includes partnerships with top researchers, we will provide ventures with tailored technical assistance, product feedback, piloting and evaluation support. Applications are due by April 18, 2025.
- Announcements
By
This is a tough time to be in education. For teachers and school leaders navigating a third wave of the pandemic and fighting to deliver an excellent education, there are no “time outs.” Education philanthropy has a shared responsibility to support educators who are responding to unrelenting demands every day.
- Impact Story
By
Here at NewSchools, we kicked off 2021 with the launch of a new three-year strategy, focused on four investment areas: Innovative Public Schools, Learning Solutions, Diverse Leaders, and Racial Equity. Our team is energized by the tremendous response from education innovators and leaders across the country.
- Video Stories
By
If there was ever a time to imagine a more equitable future for our young people, it’s now. We know that an excellent education is central to this vision and that we can’t get there without rethinking the educational approaches of the past.
- Insight Briefs
By Jason Weeby
<img class="alignnone wp-image-30141" src="https://www.newschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Untitled-design-300x169.png" alt="Gir
- Reports
NewSchools Venture Fund commissioned research from Betsy Peters and Doug Roberts from Educational Solutions Consulting to (1) understand the key chara...
- Announcements
In February 2018, NewSchools launched the Future of Work Ed Tech Challenge – open to entrepreneurs developing technology-enabled learning experiences,...
- Impact Story
- Press Releases
This week we’re excited to announce the opening of NewSchools’ latest ed tech funding opportunity, the NewSchools Ignite: Future of Work Challenge.
- Impact Story
For as long as there have been people, there have been folks predicting what the future might hold. And, recently at NewSchools, our team spent a whol
- Announcements
NewSchools’ Racial Equity Council has selected a group of innovators to receive $1.5 million in funding. These innovators are disrupting racial inequities and advancing the wellbeing and achievement of students in Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities.
- Video Stories
- Announcements
The past year has laid bare the pernicious effects of structural racism and its impact on people of color, especially Black Americans. Through George Floyd’s life and death, and the recent trial, we are reminded of the moral imperative of racial justice. Yesterday’s verdict brings some measure of accountability. But there is much more work to be done.
- Press Releases
NewSchools announces $10M in funding for visionary educators and innovators to transform public education. With a focus on reimagining what’s possible, NewSchools is committed to supporting leaders dedicated to creating new opportunities for students to thrive.
- Announcements
By
In America, it remains all too predictable who gets a fair shot at life. Our education system should be a gateway to opportunity, yet it often acts as a barrier. While there's no shortage of committed leaders and bright spots in communities across the country, we have yet to move the baseline for everyone.
- Impact Story
By
If you're only seeing the negative headlines about education, you might be missing out on the inspiring stories of progress and potential in the field.
- Announcements
NewSchools is in good company this year among peers in philanthropy and education who are celebrating milestone anniversaries or signaling deeper shifts in their strategy by announcing brand refreshes.
- Impact Story
By Frances Messano, Chief Executive Officer
It’s an exc
- Impact Story
By
Here’s a look at some of the most interesting themes across our 2024 investing activity, as well as promising innovations that bring us closer to ensuring every student is prepared to thrive in school and in life.
- Reports
By
Despite signs of academic recovery, new data reveals that public school students, especially younger ones, are significantly behind, with achievement gaps widening between low-income and affluent students. As school leaders urgently seek solutions, it’s worth asking: What if the answers have been right in front of us all along — in innovative public schools with exceptional results?
- Insight Briefs
By
Even as the shadows of the pandemic recede and schools invest heavily in recovery efforts, students across the country continue to navigate an array of obstacles. Supporting their academic, social, and emotional development remains paramount.
- Insight Briefs
Insights and actionable findings from three years of research on the specific social-emotional and school culture factors that matter most for academi...
- Impact Story
By
From the beginning, NewSchools has pioneered new ways of funding innovation in public education. Today, I’m as convinced as ever that venture philanthropy still has a powerful role to play in advancing education and that we must lead with equity, collaboration, and courage as our guiding principles.
- Insight Briefs
By
Across the country, educators, policymakers, and innovators are urgently working to help schools recover from the academic and mental health impacts of Covid-19 and pandemic-related school closures. As they make the necessary investments and develop programs to accelerate student progress, it’s imperative to make decisions based on what works.
- Event Recap
NewSchools Summit is a premier annual event for social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and education leaders. This year's theme, "Education Fuels Progress," focused on equipping attendees with hope, optimism, and actionable ideas to build an education system that delivers on its promise to all students.
- Event Recap
At NewSchools Summit 2022, more than 2,000 people pulled a seat up to our virtual table ready to reimagine education. Together we amplified powerful, innovative voices, and advanced our collective understanding of what’s possible in the education realm.
- Event Recap
To build connections during our virtual Summit event in May, NewSchools asked a diverse group of innovators, policymakers, funders, and educators to share the books that helped them make sense of the world or simply inspired them this past year.
- Video Stories
- Video Stories
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to revolutionize how we interact with and benefit from technology. Expectations are especially high in ed tech, where AI and ML promise to accelerate more equitable outcomes for all students. But when bias - implicit or otherwise - is baked into the algorithms, are these solutions really being designed with all students in mind? Join us for a crucial look at equity in ed tech and how you can help to ensure that products remain accountable to an inclusive vision of student success.
- Video Stories
The debate over screen time and the role of technology in children's lives has reached a fever pitch. To what degree should we embrace tech as a means to support our children's education? Would schools and parents be better off abandoning tech completely? Watch a rowsing-but-civil debate on the role that technology should (and shouldn't) play in children's lives and decide for yourself.
- Impact Story
By
America’s teachers face immense pressures, from high workloads to increasingly complex student needs, fueling a narrative of burnout and dissatisfaction. But what if we could change the story? Through our Teaching Reimagined portfolio, we’re investing in a variety of solutions to a shared problem: how to make teaching a role where educators thrive – all in service of better outcomes for students furthest from opportunity.
- Impact Story
By
Learn why now is the time to reimagine teaching with innovative roles, AI, and new strategies to attract and retain a diverse, motivated educator workforce.
- Press Releases
We’re excited to announce a new funding opportunity focused on GenAI math tutoring solutions built on specialized foundation models. This initiative focuses on cutting-edge math tutoring solutions that can increase accuracy, lower costs, and make personalized, high-quality learning accessible to all students. Through a grant opportunity of up to $300,000 that includes partnerships with top researchers, we will provide ventures with tailored technical assistance, product feedback, piloting and evaluation support. Applications are due by April 18, 2025.
- Impact Story
By
Here’s a look at some of the most interesting themes across our 2024 investing activity, as well as promising innovations that bring us closer to ensuring every student is prepared to thrive in school and in life.
- Impact Story
By
America’s teachers face immense pressures, from high workloads to increasingly complex student needs, fueling a narrative of burnout and dissatisfaction. But what if we could change the story? Through our Teaching Reimagined portfolio, we’re investing in a variety of solutions to a shared problem: how to make teaching a role where educators thrive – all in service of better outcomes for students furthest from opportunity.
- Press Releases
NewSchools announces $10M in funding for visionary educators and innovators to transform public education. With a focus on reimagining what’s possible, NewSchools is committed to supporting leaders dedicated to creating new opportunities for students to thrive.
- Press Releases
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.
- Reports
By
Despite signs of academic recovery, new data reveals that public school students, especially younger ones, are significantly behind, with achievement gaps widening between low-income and affluent students. As school leaders urgently seek solutions, it’s worth asking: What if the answers have been right in front of us all along — in innovative public schools with exceptional results?
- Impact Story
By
Learn why now is the time to reimagine teaching with innovative roles, AI, and new strategies to attract and retain a diverse, motivated educator workforce.
- Event Recap
NewSchools Summit is a premier annual event for social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and education leaders. This year's theme, "Education Fuels Progress," focused on equipping attendees with hope, optimism, and actionable ideas to build an education system that delivers on its promise to all students.
- Insight Briefs
By
Even as the shadows of the pandemic recede and schools invest heavily in recovery efforts, students across the country continue to navigate an array of obstacles. Supporting their academic, social, and emotional development remains paramount.
- Impact Story
By
Uncertainty about the future of K-12 education has ignited a debate: Should schools prioritize research-based instruction or an engagement-first strategy that centers student enthusiasm and curiosity?
- Impact Story
Ten years ago, Antoinette Banks was in Los Angeles navigating the educational system for her daughter with autism and ADHD. Her child, often seen through the lens of labels, was in reality brimming with untapped potential.