The Partners

Recognizing that truly transformative solutions will demand collaboration across departments, disciplines, institutions, and geographic borders, Next Gen Learning Challenges are committed to partnering with leaders, associations and organizations across the secondary and postsecondary landscape to affect change. The initiative will be led by EDUCAUSE, the foremost community of information technology leaders and professionals in higher education, in partnership with the League for Innovation in the Community Colleges, the International Association for K-12 Online Learning, and the Council of Chief State School Officers.

EDUCAUSE

EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit association dedicated to the intelligent use of information technology in higher education, will implement and administer Next Gen Learning Challenges. EDUCAUSE helps those who lead, manage, and use information technology through education, analysis, advocacy, and community. EDUCAUSE members represent the breadth of higher education technology leadership, including chief information officers, IT managers and staff, faculty, librarians and others interested in the application of IT. The association’s programs include applied research and analysis, strategic policy advocacy, teaching and learning initiatives, professional development, print and online information resources, and special interest collaborative communities. The current membership comprises more than 2,300 colleges, universities, and educational organizations in over 40 countries, including 250 corporations. EDUCAUSE will provide specific outreach to higher education and technology audiences.

The League for Innovation in the Community Colleges

With more than 800 member campuses as part of their alliance, the League for Innovation in the Community Colleges is the only major international organization specifically committed to improving community colleges through innovation, experimentation, and institutional transformation. For more than forty years, the League has served community college students, staff, and leadership through professional development opportunities, research, and knowledge sharing, including the development of model curricula and instructional materials in science, health, energy, international, and general education and an ongoing series of conferences and convenings dedicated to sharing best practices and proven models in higher education. The League will provide targeted outreach to their members, creating a clear and persistent link between the goals and activities of Next Gen Learning Challenges and the nation's community colleges.

The International Association for K-12 Online Learning

Borne out of the demands and recommendations of teachers in online secondary schools, the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is a non-profit organization that facilitates collaboration, advocacy, and research to enhance quality K-12 online teaching and learning. As a truly global organization, iNACOL seeks to facilitate the sharing and dissemination of research and resources related to online learning; to advocate for policies that support effective teaching and learning in the virtual space, and to develop and facilitate national K12 online learning standards. The organization also serves as a professional network and community for online K-12 educators, providing a place for teachers to seek and share best practices and network and providing opportunities for professional development, such as an annual Virtual School Symposium and monthly web seminars. Through guidance and outreach, iNACOL will provide a link between the Next Gen Learning Challenges and its K-12 community of teachers and practitioners.

Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and fighting hunger and poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in college and career.

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has been making grants since 1967 to help solve social and environmental problems at home and around the world. The Foundation concentrates its resources on activities in education, the environment, global development, performing arts, philanthropy, and population, and makes grants to support disadvantaged communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.