Blog

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

Social Finance

Following the recent passage of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), states, cities, and communities across the country are poised to receive an influx of funding across a range of key areas, including education and workforce development. To support state and local governments and advance evidence-based approaches as funds are distributed, Social Finance released, “American Rescue Plan: How Outcomes-Based Practices Can Maximize Community Impact,” a memo outlining “three specific strategies governments can use to maximize the impact of their ARP funds: develop outcomes scorecards, implement Active Performance Management strategies, and create Pay It Forward Funds.”

The Institute for Child Success

The Institute for Child Success’s (ICS) work “to create a culture that facilitates and fosters the success of all children” has been more important than ever during the COVID-19 crisis, as children across the country face unprecedented challenges in school and in life. To support their community during COVID-19 and beyond, i(cs) offers a resources page, with relevant videos, issue briefs, policy reports and other documents “that advance the conversation on ensuring the success of all children.”

Diverse Charter Schools Coalition

Acts of anti-Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) racism and violence have been on the rise over the past year, creating trauma for communities, families, and students across the country. To support their community in processing and speaking out against this disturbing trend, Diverse Charter Schools Coalition has compiled a page of educational resources to listen to, read, watch, and more to help combat Anti-AAPI racism.

Jumpstart

“We in the education space can’t separate our mission from the work of dismantling racist structures and systems…When we talk about closing the opportunity gap and educational inequity, it is because of those very racist systems and structures,” said Jumpstart CEO Naila Bolus in a recent video addressing the fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright, the trial of Derek Chauvin, and highlighting anti-racism resources for the Jumpstart community. In addition to the video, Jumpstart offers resources for supporting young children in light of these traumatic events, as well as resources for supporting adult mental health.

Highlander Institute

Since March of 2020, the COVID-19 crisis has laid bare long-standing inequities in our education system and further exacerbated gaps in opportunities for learning. The Highlander Institute’s work, in partnership with communities, to “imagine and create more equitable, relevant, and effective schools” is more important than ever. To “address gaps across all levels of the student and educator experience” the Institute offers critical resources, frameworks, and insights to empower students and educators, and to help schools and classrooms adapt to rapidly changing learning environments.