Investing in leaders has long been a part of the NewSchools strategy. One of the biggest talent challenges over the next decade is diversifying education leadership.
Our goal is for Black and Latino leaders to represent at least
40 percent of education leadership by 2020.
We believe education organizations will have greater impact when their leaders understand the values, experiences and needs of the students and families they serve. Diversifying education leadership is key to this goal.
Yet, according to “Unrealized Impact,” a groundbreaking study on the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in education released by NewSchools, there is a large racial/ethnic gap in education (see figure below). The percentage of Black and Latino leaders in education, as compared to the percentage of Black and Latino students in our nation’s schools, remains unbalanced. This is especially troubling as the number of children of color in our public school system continues to climb.
We must diversify education leadership to include more people who share the background and life experience of the students we serve. And we must harness the richness of diverse leaders’ ideas and perspectives for the benefit of all students.
The Diverse Leaders strategy is focused on advancing Black and Latino leadership in education. Our goal is for Black and Latino leaders to represent at least 40 percent of PreK-12 education leadership by 2020, mirroring the demographics of U.S. students today.
Click here to learn more.
Invested $2.9 million in 16 ventures working to advance Black and Latino leadership in education, 12 of which are Black- or Latino-led.
Increased the percentage of Black and Latino entrepreneurs across NewSchools portfolios.
Released “Unrealized Impact,” a groundbreaking study on the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in education today.
Maintained a diverse team at NewSchools. Currently, 33 percent of our staff, 57 percent of our leadership team, and 20 percent of our Board identify as Black or Latino. Fifty two percent of our staff identify as a person of color.
How diverse, equitable and inclusive is the education sector? In partnership with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Raikes Foundation, Schusterman Family Foundation and Walton Family Foundation, we commissioned a study of more than 200 organizations and received responses from nearly 5,000 individuals. This is the most comprehensive data on the state of diversity, equity and inclusion in the field.
Meet the Team
Deborah McGriff | Frances Messano | Zeina Fayyaz Kim | Elise Smith
Please email us with any questions you might have. You can also sign up to receive updates on our Diverse Leaders work, including upcoming funding opportunities.