We invested in leaders of color with ambitious, early-stage ideas for addressing racial inequities in education. Funding decisions were made through participatory grantmaking, where NewSchools shifted decision-making power to a council of students, parents, educators, and innovators.

Council members reflect the backgrounds of the students our ventures serve, including being first-generation college students, recipients of free or reduced-price lunch, and English language learners. Lessons from our engagement with the Racial Equity Councils will inform our organizational approach to community engagement in 2024 and beyond.