Education

Quality Public K-12 Schools

The Powell Foundation believes that all students should receive a high-quality public K-12 education through access to effective schools, curriculum, programming, and support services that ensure they graduate from high school prepared for post-secondary success.

Our Quality Public K-12 Schools investments are focused in the following areas

Excellent
Educators

Student
Supports

Quality Schools
& School Models

Photo Courtesy of: FuelEd Schools Inc.

We invest in organizations who champion efforts to:

Strengthen preparation, pathways, training, and development for teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.
Ensure students receive high-quality, evidence-based academic instruction, programming, and supports.
Promote the positive development of non-cognitive skills, social-emotional learning, and positive school climate and culture.
Scale and expand access to high-quality district and public charter school models that strengthen educational outcomes for all students.

The Powell Foundation is interested in understanding the extent to which our Quality Public K-12 School investments impact the following population-level indicators:

Number of A and B rated schools within our focus geographies

Number of third graders demonstrating proficiency in reading

Number of eighth graders demonstrating proficiency in mathematics

Number of youth who graduate from high school

Narrowing disparate outcomes along the lines of race, gender, income, and ability

Grantee Spotlights

UTeach

UTeach is a university-based teacher preparation program that seeks to increase the number of STEM teachers in U.S. secondary schools. Through its partnerships with universities, UTeach prepares undergraduate STEM majors to become teachers in economically and culturally diverse secondary school settings. Powell Foundation grant funds have been used to establish programs at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and Prairie View A&M University.

Neuhaus Education Center

Neuhaus Education Center (NEC) develops solutions for overcoming obstacles for literacy, including dyslexia, and is a nationally recognized leader in implementing the Science of Reading. Powell Foundation supports NEC’s teacher development efforts, its partnership with HISD, and the delivery of the Structured Literacy Instruction program.

FuelEd Schools Inc.

FuelEd’s mission is to develop emotionally intelligent educators who create relationship-driven schools. FuelEd aims to equip teachers and school leaders with the social and emotional skills needed to build relationships with students and optimize learning. Powell Foundation funding will be used to deliver FuelEd’s workshops and curriculum to over 1,500 Houston-area teachers each year.

Interested in applying?

Review our Application Process for deadlines, qualifications, and more.