Grant Guidelines for Academic & Career Success
There has been much discussion about the achievement gap between students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds and between low-income and high-income families. As a country, we cannot fail to educate a portion of our population and continue to advance without closing this gap. With this in mind, the Foundation targets its investments to early childhood education, academic achievement for school-age children, and college preparation and career training with the goal of preparing young people to become self-sufficient, contribute to a changing world and work for the betterment of the larger community.
Comprehensive Early Childhood Education
Research suggests that nearly one-half of low-income children don't recognize the letters of the alphabet upon entering kindergarten. Studies have also found that children that start behind, too often stay behind and that these same children are at the greatest risk of getting into trouble or dropping out of school. Reports on early brain development support the conclusion that early intervention, particularly with children from vulnerable families is vital to improving a child's school readiness and ultimately, their academic performance in later years.
We believe: High-quality early childhood education programs that are comprehensive in their approach, i.e. provide a stimulating, age appropriate learning environment and curriculum; document the growth and development of each child; identify and address developmental challenges; and engage and support parents are key to preparing children to enter school ready to learn
Outcome: Children are prepared to be successful in school
Academic Achievement for Children and Youth – Out-of School Time Programs
Success in school is important for all children and improving the academic performance of vulnerable children in low-income communities requires of concerted effort on many fronts. Building and sustaining excellent schools is critical, but for many children who start out or fall behind for a variety of reasons, additional time is needed to master skills and reinforce concepts learned during the school day. The Foundation is interested in investing in out-of-school time programs that are committed to improving the academic performance of students and are focused on strengthening their programs to achieve better results.
We believe: Out-of-school time programs that offer an engaging, research-based curriculum, monitor student progress, include social and developmental activities, work in partnership with schools and parents, and are supported by caring adults committed to building children's confidence in their capacity to excel academically will be successful in helping to improve academic performance.
Outcome: Children and youth demonstrate improved academic achievement
College and Career Preparation
In Wards 7 and 8 of the District of Columbia, only one in three students finishes high
school within five years and only one of 20 earns a college degree within a five-year period. Creating the next generation of well-educated and highly trained young people who are prepared to contribute to our world is of vital importance. Many young people need support and guidance to envision a bright future for themselves, to set goals and to gain the knowledge they need to achieve their dreams. Preparation for entering college or career training programs is key.
We believe: College preparation programs that help youth see college as a goal, provide guidance to ensure they are prepared and support them through the admissions process and beyond are critical to young people becoming self-sufficient and contributing members of the community. In addition, we value programs that train youth for careers that will enable them to become independent, productive adults.
Outcome: Young people enter college or career training programs
More Information
Grant Guidelines
- Stable Homes, Stable Families
- Foster Care & Adoption
- Academic & Career Success
- Eligibility Criteria