Early Childhood and K-12 Education
The students of today are the employees of tomorrow, and they need the skills to thrive in the 21st century global economy and beyond. Our education initiatives unite business, policy, and community leaders and stakeholders to develop solutions in early childhood and K-12 education.
Our early childhood education initiatives address a two-generation workforce challenge: supporting today's workforce and preparing tomorrow's workforce.
The K-12 education system of today leaves too many students underprepared for the careers ahead of them. We’re dedicated to closing achievement gaps, promoting standards-driven approaches, and connecting all students to a successful future.
Programs and Initiatives
Breaking the Gridlock: An Action Plan to Strengthen Education-to-Workforce Pathways
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The U.S. Chamber Foundation has developed Childcare Roadmap Videos to provide a visual representation of the Employer Roadmap: Childcare Solutions for Working Parents. This roadmap is for senior leaders to understand what options are available to address childcare needs for working parents, primarily those working shifts during non-traditional hours.
Employers Lead the Way in Piecing Together Childcare Solutions
Sasha Nicholas, associate manager of early childhood education, reflects on key takeaways from the panel, "Piecing Together Childcare Solutions," an engaging conversation held at the 14th Annual International Women's Day Forum.
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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation released new research that examines the impact of data-driven accountability education policy over the last 20 years and sets the stage for concrete recommendations for the federal role in education.
Podcast: Educating the Workforce of the Future with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
On this episode of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Meghan Pennington explored the impact of early childhood education on the future workforce with our guests from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Senior Vice President and Vice President of Education & Workforce Policy, Cheryl Oldham, and Vice President of Policy and Programs, Caitlin Codella Low. Drawing from their extensive experience in the education sector, Cheryl and Caitlin provided valuable insights into the importance of a robust childcare system in shaping the workforce pipeline and the necessity of investing in our youngest learners.
Latest Content
The U.S. Chamber Foundation has launched a multi-year initiative with the support of a working group of preeminent leaders in education to develop policy recommendations focused on all students, especially those who have been historically underserved by the K-12 system.
Amber Rangel Mooney, who participated in the Elite Cohort of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship Program (Business Leads), currently works as vice president and director of workforce development at Empire State Development and knows the importance of expanding career growth opportunities first-hand.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced a groundbreaking new initiative focused on improving education outcomes for all students. The U.S. Chamber Foundation is leading a multi-year initiative with the support of a working group of preeminent leaders in education. The working group members bring an impressive breadth of experience, expertise, and diverse perspectives to this initiative. Included are leaders of organizations such as The Education Trust, Foundation for Excellence in Education, Parents Amplifying Voices in Education, and the Center for Measurement Justice.
Cheryl Oldham, senior vice president at U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, reflects on the importance of K-12 policy for America's next generation and the future of the workforce.
Aaron Merchen, director of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will host a new video series, the Drumbeat, centered on issues surrounding Early Childhood Education.
Coming from his background in higher education policy, Brian Crouse, vice president of education programs at the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, is keenly aware of how critical it is to bridge the gap between what the education sector provides for students and what the business community needs from potential workers coming out of their pipeline. The Business Leads Fellowship offered him a new process and tools to communicate more effectively with these stakeholders.
Amid a national child care crisis, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced the launch of the Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council, a joint initiative between the U.S. Chamber Foundation and the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) to expand high-quality, affordable child care in communities and states across the United States, to help solve one of the biggest issues facing American families and employers during the pandemic.
In the second installment of our Chamber Child Care Blog Series, Aaron explores how public-private partnerships across various states led to concrete initiatives that improved access to childcare.
Thomas Paden, President of the Canton Chamber of Commerce, is focused on developing career pathways for high school students in the community through Future Fit, a four-step program that offers opportunities in business, healthcare, hospitality, or trade.