Relationships + Ideas + Action = Impact

Continued partnerships drive meaningful change, fueled by a powerful formula of relationships, innovative thinking, and collective action. Together, we learn, do, and make a difference. 

That was so clear when, on Oct. 9, we brought together 100 of our partners – school system leaders, leaders of nonprofit support and advocacy organizations, funders, and other supporters – for a memorable evening of celebration and connection. The room buzzed with energizing conversations about the work we each are doing and our ideas for transforming public school systems in ways that improve learning experiences for every child. For us, it was about celebrating a successful three-year campaign to raise more than $20 million to support our work with leaders across the education sector to rewire public education systems in ways that center democratic participation and enable continuous improvement. 

Columbia Law School Dean Daniel Abebe offered insights on how we do this from our home base at the university. Aptly calling public education “the true cornerstone of a democratic society,” he noted the university’s responsibility to “leverage scholarly knowledge to create societal and global impact.” Central to that work, he said, is partnering with people outside of academia, which is central to what CPRL does every day. 

Of course this work is complex. But as Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Angélica Infante-Green said, working with CPRL has allowed her to “move fast and solve very difficult problems.” She added, “We want everyone to understand that we can solve problems, and public education is the solution. We have to invest, we have to support.”

She detailed her longtime partnership with CPRL, tackling entrenched issues including school segregation, curriculum implementation, and special education, and the impact the partnership has had on the systems she’s led. 

You can watch the full program here.  

Here's to deepening our connections and turning ideas into action. Have a public education idea or a challenge you’re looking to solve? Drop us a note at [email protected].