Our Impact

Bellwether’s work before and after K-12 builds a continuous spectrum of learning.

We’ve created aligned birth-to-eight learning systems, advised foundations and advocacy organizations on how to improve access to quality early childhood care and education, and led the national conversation on teacher preparation and compensation in early childhood settings.

On the other end of the spectrum, we’ve worked with more than 50 partners in postsecondary education including school systems, intermediaries, community colleges, and foundations, to ensure that every student stays on a pathway toward a fulfilled adulthood.

Going Deeper

By the time they reach kindergarten, it’s estimated that more than 40% of U.S. students are already behind — putting them at a disadvantage that’s likely to follow them throughout their school career. Similarly, nearly 75% of students in higher education are considered ‘nontraditional’ — meaning that three-quarters of students are entering systems that are not designed with their success in mind. It’s critical that we ensure students have equitable access to high-quality education throughout their lives, particularly those from systemically marginalized communities.

Our Team

At Bellwether, our team tackles lifelong learning from a number of perspectives. We’ve served as preschool teachers and college professors, designed and led ‘to and through’ programming, and developed early-literacy assessment policies. We’ve supported state education agencies, multi-state charter-school networks, and some of the nation’s largest school districts in thinking expansively — beyond the K-12 arena — to support students in equitable, innovative, and high-impact ways.