CZI Donates $3.9M to Education Leaders of Color, Surge Institute
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) has announced $3.9 million in grants to Education Leaders of Color and the Surge Institute. These organizations aim to interrupt, and address the cultural, institutional, and structural barriers in education faced by historically underserved students and families. They also work to promote Black leaders to senior positions in education.
“We envision a country where demographics, such as race and socioeconomic status, are not predictive of student outcomes and every student has equitable access to learning experiences that meet their unique academic and developmental needs,” said Sandra Liu Huang, head of education at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. “The work that these organizations are doing is critical to advancing equity in education.”
According to a press release, Education Leaders of Color (EdLoc), a nonprofit membership organization, will receive $2 million to help attain their goal of increasing the number of effective, Black and Latino leaders in senior positions in education and adjacent fields. The grant will be used to recruit and develop leaders who will support a range of evidenced-based and equity-informed policy and practice work.
“EdLoC is thrilled that the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has reaffirmed its commitment to EdLoC’s mission, even as we mourn the passing of our beloved CEO, Layla Avila,” said EdLoC interim CEO, Sharhonda Bossier. “Thanks to CZI’s support, our national network of leaders of color has grown tremendously. Today, we represent over 400 leaders of color across 40 states advancing a holistic third way in education that improves outcomes for Black and Brown children. CZI’s continued support helps ensure we can sustain our impact for children as we also work on shaping our future under new leadership.”
Surge Institute (Surge), a Chicago-based nonprofit, will receive $1.9 million to address the shortage of leadership of color in educational institutions that predominantly serve children of color. Through its fellowship program, Surge connects, trains, and elevates transformative education leaders of color, partnering with school districts, nonprofits, universities, and other youth-serving organizations to build toward collective impact.
“Since 2015, we have trained just under 200 fellows in Chicago, Oakland, and Kansas City, whose leadership is impacting over 3.4 million students across the country,” said Carmita Semaan, Surge founder and president. “In 2020 we found ourselves evolving and elevating the way that we support these leaders. The support and partnership of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative have been invaluable to our efforts to bring brighter tomorrows for the millions of kids and families we serve. Positive change is happening in the education space and we are glad to have an ally in the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, who shares in our mission.”
Since the onset of the pandemic, CZI has committed more than $30 million to support teachers and students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes grants to the HEARTS program at the University of California, San Francisco, Village of Wisdom, Kingmakers of Oakland, Beloved Community, the National Parents Union, and additional support for teacher professional development and the expansion of broadband solutions.
