6 Thoughtful Groups Working To Improve Education

Education is one of the backbones of society as it helps to mold children into the thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. Educators, schools, and pedagogical frameworks must continuously adapt to our changing, global world in order to provide memorable learning experiences for all young scholars, regardless of income, location, or ability. The following groups, listed here in no particular order, work towards creating the best experience and environment possible for students and teachers.

We start with Summit Learning at #1. This research-based approach to education is managed by Gradient Learning, a nonprofit organization led by educators. Its goal is to drive student engagement, meaningful pedagogical experiences, and strong student-teacher relationships that prepare young scholars for life beyond the classroom.

Summit Learning's program offers schools a customizable curriculum, a range of educational resources and technology tools, professional development for teachers, and ongoing coaching and support. It claims to empower an underpowered system to work for the students of today and tomorrow.

We have ApplyBoard at #2. This online platform simplifies the study abroad search, application, and acceptance process by connecting international students, recruitment partners, and academic institutions. The organization has built partnerships with primary, secondary, and post-secondary educational institutions and works with recruitment partners to drive diversity on campuses across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

ApplyBoard's team supports students by reviewing their applications, ensuring all documents are submitted, communicating with the institutions, assisting with the visa process, and helping them culturally and logistically prepare for their journey abroad. By working with the group, educational institutions gain access to its managed network of recruitment partners around the world.

At #3 is the NYC Coalition for Educational Justice. This group is made up of local organizations and unions whose members include parents, community members, students, and educators. It is motivated by the need to obtain a quality and well-rounded education for all students.

The C.E.J. is focused on the city's need for what it calls "Culturally Responsive Education," which it describes as being rigorous and student-centered, with schools implementing a positive culture that respects and honors all youth regardless of race, background, and ability.

Our #4 choice, Lifeline Energy, is a mission-driven nonprofit that designs, manufactures, and distributes solar-powered and wind-up MP3 players and radios for classroom and community listening. Although it works mainly in Africa, its products can serve people worldwide in emergencies.

Lifeline Energy works with government ministries, large aid organizations, UN agencies, in-country NGOs, and individuals across various sectors. The group considers communication to be an essential form of aid and aims to provide education and information to learners anytime and anywhere.

Coming in at #5 is Fund Education Now, based in Orlando, Florida. This organization supports investment in traditional public schools. It recognizes the vital role that teaching plays in setting up the next generation of creative and critical thinkers and believes that recruiting, retaining, training, and rewarding high-quality teachers and principals must be a high priority.

Fund Education Now grades the governor and legislators annually on their efforts to provide and fund a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high-quality system of free public schools that allows students to obtain a good education. It also supports the need for digital learning where students learn in a technology-rich environment.

Finally, at #6 is FutureEd, an independent think tank created and managed by Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy. The group is committed to bringing fresh energy to the causes of excellence, equity, and efficiency in K-12 and higher education on behalf of the nation's disadvantaged students.

As a nonpartisan, public-facing organization, FutureEd works to produce clear and compelling analysis on key education issues for policymakers, practitioners, the media, and other change agents at the federal, state, and local levels. In addition to in-depth reports, it publishes explainers, interviews, and research from other organizations.