The Foundation's long-term strategic focus is to advance student-centered approaches that better prepare all students for the future. By focusing on student-centered approaches at the high school level, the Foundation feels that it can make the biggest impact for the greatest number of learners in New England.
To elevate student-centered approaches to learning, the Foundation utilizes a four-part strategy that focuses on: developing and enhancing models of practice; reshaping education policies; building a knowledge base around student-centered learning; and increasing public awareness, understanding, support and demand for high quality educational experiences.
The four strategic initiative areas are:
The Nellie Mae Education Foundation is committing up to $200 million through 2020 to accelerate student-centered approaches to learning in New England. These investments will support learning that is engaging, personalized, competency-based, and not restricted to the traditional classroom or class day. The Foundation will invest directly in systems-level change for districts and statewide in all six New England states; support efforts to encourage educator ownership, leadership, and capacity to advance student-centered approaches to learning; invest in enabling policy; sponsor research to explore the quality and rigor of student-centered learning; and fund local organizing efforts to engage community members around the need for modernized education. This commitment represents an increase of up to 60% of current investments by the Foundation in the region.
Funds may not be used for:
Eligible applicants are educational organizations, which includes:
Deadlines vary by program. The Foundation offers various opportunities throughout the year. Please monitor the website for future deadlines.