I am honored and excited to serve as Chair of the Learning Forward Foundation and to continue advancing our shared commitment to powerful professional learning that drives student success.

The Learning Forward Foundation exists to strengthen education by investing in educators. Our vision is clear: to establish a sustainable stream of funding that develops leaders who empower educators to learn for student success. Guided by this vision, our mission is to raise funds that provide scholarships and grants for educators across the globe—supporting them in designing high-quality teaching that results in growth and achievement for every student through meaningful professional learning.

This year, we are proud to launch our 1985 Campaign, an ambitious fundraising effort inspired by Learning Forward’s founding year. Through this campaign, we aim to expand access for educators to participate in the Learning Forward Academy, a transformative professional learning experience grounded in the Standards for Professional Learning. These standards ensure that learning is research-based, practice-driven, and focused on continuous improvement.

The Learning Forward Foundation currently offers several impactful scholarship and grant opportunities:

• Learning Forward Foundation Academy Scholarships
  A two-and-a-half-year academy experience that supports educators deeply committed to professional learning and the Standards for Professional Learning.
• Dale Hair Affiliate Grant
   A one-year grant designed to assist Learning Forward affiliates that are rebuilding, reorganizing, or strengthening their organizational capacity. This grant honors Dale Hair’s enduring legacy and her passion for supporting strong, effective affiliates.
• Patsy Hochman Memorial Academy Scholarship
  A two-and-a-half-year academy experience that provides a school, district or state education leader with tuition and travel stipend. Preference is given to applicants whose projects are in school systems and schools located in Texas.
• Stephanie Hirsh Academy Scholarship
  A two-and-a-half-year academy experience honoring past Learning Forward President and author Stephanie Hirsh. Priority is given to applicants whose work serves predominantly low-income and minoritized student populations.
• Sybil Yastrow Memorial Academy Scholarship
   A two-and-a-half-year academy experience honoring Sybil Yastrow, whose leadership and commitment were instrumental in shaping the Learning Forward Foundation.

Our goal is to raise $1,985,000 over the next several years to expand educator access, strengthen leadership capacity, and respond to the ever-changing landscape of education. Scholarship recipients join a global community of colleagues, engaging in deep learning that aligns their problems of practice with cutting-edge research and evidence-based strategies. Participants focus on critical topics such as leadership, advocacy, continuous improvement, and the implementation of the Standards for Professional Learning.

Your support of the Learning Forward Foundation is an investment in educators and in the students and communities they serve. Together, we can ensure that professional learning remains a powerful lever for excellence and lasting impact.

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to learning that makes a difference.

Ankhe Bradley

Chair, Learning Forward Foundation

Listen to our mission and vision in action.