How Generative AI Can Engage and Empower Students

Two students smiling and looking at a laptop

By Cameron White, Senior Partner Uncertainty about the future of K-12 education has ignited a debate: Should schools prioritize research-based instruction or an engagement-first strategy that centers student enthusiasm and curiosity? Framing these choices as a binary overlooks the important synergy achieved when students are both personally engaged and academically supported. As we chart a […]

Building better and braver coalitions is just the beginning

Frances Messano, Chief Executive Officer (Cross-posted to The Building Bridges Initiative) Earlier this month, my organization, NewSchools Venture Fund, gathered venture leaders, staff, funders, and supporters from every chapter of our history to celebrate twenty-five years of impact. Weeks later, I’m still smiling from the many inspiring moments shared with the people who have been […]

Investing in a Bright Future For All Students: 2023 Trends

Classroom

Frances Messano, Chief Executive Officer If you’re only seeing the negative headlines about education, you might be missing out on the inspiring stories of progress and potential in the field. As CEO at NewSchools, I see the new possibilities that emerge when we fund courageous leaders with powerful ideas for change. This year, 1,250 education […]

Announcing New Chief Executive Officer in January 2023

Contact Information: Wendy-Ann Dixon-DuBois Director of Communications wdixon-dubois@newschools.org  For Immediate Release NewSchools Board of Directors Announces that Frances Messano will succeed Stacey Childress as the next Chief Executive Officer in January 2023 Oakland, Calif.—March 8, 2022—NewSchools Venture Fund today announced that Stacey Childress will step down as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2023 and […]

NewSchools Venture Fund Welcomes New Chief External Affairs Officer

Danielle Kristine Toussaint

(Oakland, CA, July 9, 2021) – NewSchools Venture Fund today announced Danielle Kristine Toussaint as its new Chief External Affairs Officer. This executive role was created to amplify the stories, impact, influence, and innovation that have emerged from NewSchools growing investment portfolio and bring all the organizations’ donor stewardship, thought leadership, and external messaging into […]

NewSchools CEO Stacey Childress Included in Forbes 50 Over 50: Impact List

On July 7, 2021 NewSchools CEO, Stacey Childress, was included in the Forbes 50 Over 50: Impact list. Forbes launched the first iteration of the list in June to highlight women over the age of 50 who are leaving a positive and lasting impact on the world. Below is an excerpt from Stacey on her […]

In Pursuit of Justice

In Pursuit of Justice By Stacey Childress | April 21, 2021   The past year has laid bare the pernicious effects of structural racism and its impact on people of color, especially Black Americans. Through George Floyd’s life and death, and the recent trial, we are reminded of the moral imperative of racial justice. Yesterday’s […]

Diverse Leaders: Our Time is Now

This blog was originally published by EdSurge on Mar. 29, 2021 and can be found on their website here. Diverse Leaders are Changing Education By Frances Messano | Mar. 29, 2021 I was 20 years old and wearing my best suit. I woke up early so I could make the one-hour trip to Midtown Manhattan […]

NewSchools President Frances Messano Featured by Inside Philanthropy

This story was originally published by Inside Philanthropy on Feb. 26, 2021 and can be found on their website here. For a K-12 Funder’s New President, “Racial Equity Is the Work” By Connie Matthiessen | Feb. 26, 2021 In response to the events of 2020 and the growing outrage over racial injustice, many philanthropies are […]