North Texas education leaders gathered Wednesday at Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) to unveil a series of funding initiatives designed to strengthen student success, expand educational opportunities, and create pathways to careers.
As part of the effort, CFT committed more than $10 million toward programs focused on improving educational outcomes, reducing barriers to learning, and preparing students for postsecondary education and the workforce. The funding includes grants to six organizations and initiatives, along with more than $2 million in scholarships for local students.
Recipients include CFT’s Educate Texas initiative, Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region, For Oak Cliff, The Dallas Foundation, Texas 2036, and United to Learn.
CFT leaders said the investments reflect the foundation’s ongoing focus on supporting educational achievement from early childhood through career readiness while helping address challenges that can prevent students from reaching their full potential.
“We view education as one of the key drivers in creating a thriving community for all. These investments are addressing challenges in new ways to equip students for success, reducing barriers and expanding economic mobility while modernizing systems and building pathways towards brighter futures,” said Wayne White, President and CEO at Communities Foundation of Texas.
The largest investment announced Wednesday was a $5 million commitment to Educate Texas, CFT’s statewide education initiative that has worked for two decades to address challenges facing public education.
Of that amount, $3.7 million will support the AI + Education Collaborative, which provides guidance and resources to school districts, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations as they navigate the responsible use of artificial intelligence in classrooms and educational systems.
Another $1.3 million will expand the DFW Opportunity Youth Collaborative, a regional effort focused on reconnecting young adults who are disengaged from school or work with education, training, and career opportunities. The initiative brings together educators, employers, workforce organizations, and community partners to help young people access pathways that can lead to economic mobility.
“Collectively, these initiatives help eliminate opportunity gaps and strengthen the North Texas ecosystem for students, teachers, employers, and community organizations seeking to improve student success,” said Kerri Briggs, Ph.D., Executive Director, CFT’s Educate Texas. “This is about helping young adults access meaningful careers, earn a living wage, and build the future they want for themselves and their families.”
CFT also announced a $2 million investment aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism among middle school students in South Dallas, South Oak Cliff, and Wilmer-Hutchins. Chronic absenteeism is generally defined as missing 10% or more of school days during an academic year and has risen significantly in recent years both locally and nationwide.
The initiative will bring together schools and community organizations to develop coordinated attendance strategies. For Oak Cliff received a $1 million grant to lead the effort in partnership with Dallas ISD. Initial partners include Big Thought and Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region, with plans to engage additional organizations over the next year.
Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region received a $600,000 grant to continue supporting students facing nonacademic challenges that can affect classroom performance and graduation outcomes. The organization currently serves more than 100 campuses across 11 North Texas school districts through campus-based coordinators and individualized support services.
The Dallas Foundation was awarded $500,000 to support the Bright Futures Alliance, an initiative focused on improving early childhood development and family well-being in Southern Dallas.
Texas 2036 received $500,000 to continue its statewide work identifying policy solutions related to higher education, workforce readiness, housing, health care, and public safety.
United to Learn was awarded $250,000 to expand literacy intervention efforts and educator development programs on more than 30 Dallas ISD campuses. Funding will support the organization’s Team Thrive model and Aspiring Teachers program, which combine K-3 literacy support with efforts to build a future teacher pipeline.
In addition to nonprofit grant funding, CFT announced that 415 local students received scholarships this spring totaling more than $2 million. The awards are funded through scholarship funds managed by the foundation on behalf of donors committed to supporting educational attainment.
Foundation leaders said the combined investments are intended to help strengthen educational opportunities, improve student outcomes, and create stronger connections between learning and long-term career success for students across North Texas and throughout the state.
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