Programs
The Foundation's funding priorities for the period 2005-2014 focus on public school reform and youth leadership organizing. Implementation of these priorities is guided by a set of values and assumptions that recognize:
- The inherent worth of all young people regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, immigrant status, religion, economic or social background;
- A high quality education as a basic civil right for all students;
- The need for equitable and effective means for educating all children to achieve at high levels, and be properly prepared to enter adulthood with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to lead engaged and productive lives.
- The value of public schools as the most viable venues for equitable education, and as a democratizing force in our society;
- The need to build public and political will for sustained investment in the education and development of young people, particularly youth of color and low-income youth.
- Transformation of the lives and future of low-income youth and youth of color requires their active engagement in strengthening the schools, communities and society where they grow and develop.
