Blog

Every month, America Forward highlights examples of the vital work our Coalition members do to support students, families, educators, workers, elected leaders, advocates, and communities across the country. If your organization has resources, an announcement, or a story you would like to see included, please send it to america_forward@newprofit.org.

Eskolta

Eskolta School Research and Design works with public school educators to cultivate equitable and respectful learning environments through innovative feedback and assessment, data-driven leadership practices, and student-generated pathways to success. Last month, Eskolta supported the California Community Engagement Initiative in its Peer Leading and Learning Network Meeting, platforming the voices of over 120 student leaders across 67 California school districts. These students spoke to their community’s strengths and envisioned what the future of schooling in California could be. Learn more about how student voices influence Eskolta’s modeling and explore their other projects today!

MORTAR

The MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy empowers entrepreneurs who are starting or growing their businesses to learn the nuances of business management and helps them to successfully launch businesses that create jobs and stimulate local economies. MORTAR recently opened a new entrepreneurial hub and headquarters, located in Walnut Hills, Ohio – a historically Black neighborhood home to many Black-owned businesses. The space features co-working offices, a cafe and pop-up restaurant, retail stores for MORTAR alumni, and multimedia studio, making the HQ a well-rounded and accessible community space for the emerging entrepreneurs MORTAR serves. Discover more about MORTAR’s work and offerings on their website today.

PeerForward

PeerForward is a nonprofit organization working to support innovative, student-led approaches to connecting youth in low-income communities to higher education and career opportunities. PeerForward co-founder and CEO Gary Z. Linnen was recently featured on the Hart and Hustle entrepreneurial podcast to discuss youth empowerment. The conversation spanned many of PeerForward’s key values and principles, including social responsibility and accountability, addressing and overcoming opportunity gaps, and empowering community leadership at every educational level. Listen to the podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and read more about PeerForward’s modeling and impact today.

Opportunity@Work

Opportunity@Work is working to build a labor market where individuals Skilled Through Alternative Routes – known as STARs – have access to employment opportunities and can reach their full potential, regardless of education level. Opportunity@Work’s latest research, “Tearing the Paper Ceiling: The Impact of State Commitments to Remove Degree Requirements on Public Awareness and Job Opportunities for STARs” demonstrates how expanding access to government jobs in states committed to skills-based hiring practices can provide thousands of new opportunities for individuals previously screened out by degree requirements. In particular, this uplifts rural workers, veteran workers, and Black and Hispanic workers. Read the report to learn more!

Wyman Center

The Wyman Center is a nonprofit organization working with young adults to build skills, establish healthy behaviors, and achieve educational and career success through programming centered on leadership, connection, and outreach. In early December, Wyman announced an expansion to its partnership with Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) that will provide dedicated SEMO staff to support Wyman students throughout their college years. This development expands Wyman’s capacity and commitment to forming collaborative partnerships that create more equitable, accessible, and meaningful learning opportunities for young people. Discover more about Wyman’s programming and mission on their website.