All children deserve access to a high-quality education that prepares them to succeed in their personal lives, professional careers, and as citizens. A high-performing school system is a key driver for the talented workforce needed for the Knowledge Economy and for the productive citizens needed to lead our city.

These core convictions form the basis for our philanthropic investments in K-12 education reform. In pursuing programs to transform Memphis City Schools into a district of high-achieving students, high-performing teachers, and high-impact principals, we concentrate on three leverage points for change:

•  Supply - increased high-quality education options for K-12 students
•  Demand - parents informed and empowered to advocate for strong educational

      options for their children
•  Governance - effective leaders for better schools and improved student achievement at

      the classroom, school, and district levels

We support programs that work within the traditional public education system and also those programs that seek to influence systemic change outside of the traditional framework.

It is in offering quality school choices demanded by involved parents and propelled by innovative educators that student achievement takes place. All of our grants in education reform fall into one of these three focus areas and must directly impact student academic achievement.