Our Pursuit of Systemic Change
Over 2023, we focused our grantmaking efforts on the implementation of our strategic framework as we developed our North Star. Each grant and program-related investment connects to one of our three strategic priorities: removing barriers to postsecondary completion; building the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transforming the postsecondary ecosystem.
How do we aim to achieve systemic change? A systemic change approach aims to shift the conditions that hold a problem in place, rather than merely alleviating the symptoms of the problem. In higher education, this may mean adopting policies, adapting practices, reallocating resources, building relationships, shifting dynamics and changing mindsets to address the barriers impeding the success of learners from underserved backgrounds.
The majority of our 2023 grants and program-related investments connect to removing barriers to postsecondary completion and/or building the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems. Funded projects also tend to fall within our testing and learning and validating and implementing stages. As we move forward, we anticipate more of our partners will scale programs over time. Learn more about the three different stages of grants and investments that we support.