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About Empower Schools

Empower Schools works with state agencies, policymakers, public school districts, institutions of higher education, and in partnership with communities across the United States in service of millions of students. Empower improves outcomes for urban and rural communities by developing sustainable systemic solutions at the school, district, and state levels.

Empower was founded in 2013 on the belief that partnering with communities to empower educators would lead to greater student success at school and in life. We support community partners in designing, launching, and sustaining innovative schools and school systems that help students achieve long-term economic mobility. Empower works at the systems level to propose, develop, and transform state legislation and public policy, build community support, nurture systems-level leaders, and provide equitable K-12 and post-secondary opportunities for all students.

Empower’s responsive approach is flexible and focused on the unique context and needs of each school community.

Empower Schools Mission

Empower Schools partners with communities to help them get the schools they want with the results their students need.

Empower Schools Vision

We believe that the public education system should work for all students. We envision a country where every student, especially those in underserved communities, has the opportunity to succeed in school and in life.

That’s possible when:

School systems are outcomes-focused, designed for learning and rapid improvement
Educators have the flexibility to innovate to meet the diverse needs of students and communities
School teams reflect the communities they serve
Systems are oriented toward outcomes aligned to long-term success in college, career, and life
And system leaders are intellectually honest and transparent about what’s working and what’s not and take action when needed