Education & Academic Support

We fund programs in superior public, private, parochial and alternative schools, as well as those that prepare students for success as they transition from one school or academic level to another. We do not endorse any particular educational model but rather support a variety of organizations that insist on student achievement using tools such as extended time schooling and enrichment activities specifically connected to curriculum.

When assessing academic programs other than schools, we look for curricula correlated to the NYC/NYS academic standards that extend in-school learning, activities that make meaningful connections between the regular school day and the “real world,” and those that achieve outcomes that compare favorably to average NYC/NYS results. When a program is housed in a school, we also consider its relationship with the host institution.

In deciding whether to fund a program or school, we give substantial weight to those that critically assess their own performance using objective criteria. We would be particularly interested in programs that plan to demonstrate concrete behavioral outcomes such as:

• Improved grades
• Improved SAT or other standardized test scores
• High school graduation
• Admission to college
• Graduation from college

Those applying for funding should offer evidence that the particular educational interventions they propose employ, or at least do not conflict with, recognized best practices and science-based interventions shown to be effective.