The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (CGLR) and many of us in philanthropy remain deeply concerned about the many children stranded on the wrong side of the various learning, achievement, internet access and opportunity gaps that were exposed and/or exacerbated by the pandemic. That concern is sparking action and a deeper commitment to name and address those gaps, including the gap in access to high-quality early learning opportunities and supports that prepare young children and their families for success in kindergarten and beyond.  

Several foundations that are working nationwide to promote early school success for children in economically challenged families are also advancing analogous efforts in their hometowns and other focus communities. During this funder-focused GLR Week 2024 session, we will engage leaders from several of these national funders in a conversation exploring how they are working to close early learning gaps in their “hometowns,” how they engage and collaborate with local funders, and how their place-based efforts inform and are informed by their national investments.