Leading Across Boundaries

Priorities for promoting prosperity and the action strategies that work for rural communities have been identified. Two reports distributed in early 2018 offer a framework and specific actions that can help rural communities begin to address barriers and promote prosperity. Collaboration is key and we can start with a focus on education and workforce to […]

In a room of nearly 2,000 participants at IEL’s Community Schools National Forum, IEL President Johan E. Uvin asked participants to hold hands, close their eyes, and reflect on those who had come before us and gave selflessly to the cause of creating a more perfect union. “These are hands that unite us. Can you

Too many adults lack the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. There is a shortage of effective program designs that work well for adults without postsecondary education and training experiences and credentials. That is why IEL, in partnership with the Coalition on Adult Basic Education and the National Association of State Directors of Adult

IEL’s president, Johan E. Uvin, reflects on stories from our team members, the youth served through IEL’s programs, and students in Parkland, Fla. after experiencing one of the deadliest mass shootings. These are all stories of unnecessary trauma and pain caused by gun violence. This is an ideological problem that is destroying the very fabric

One year into his time as president of IEL, Johan E. Uvin reflects on 2017 and shares his intentions for the upcoming year and beyond. “…We are filled with hope and confidence that in 2018 we will make significant improvements in our ability to positively impact the individuals and families in our programs, the communities,

IEL is pleased to announce the appointment of its new board chair, Dr. Karen Mapp, senior lecturer on education and faculty director of education policy and management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, as well as the appointment of a new board director, Dr. Ana Tilton, executive director of Grantmakers for Education. IEL also

The National Disability Mentoring Coalition recently inducted 25 individuals and four organizations into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame. Curtis Richards, the director of IEL’s Center for Workforce Development, is among this year’s honorees. The honorees — nominated by their mentees — were selected based on their dedication to mentoring and their impact on the lives

IEL stands up for the causes of those in high-potential communities who fight to provide opportunity in the face of poverty, trauma, and inequity. We strongly condemn the racist ideology displayed in Charlottesville and find the hateful actions of white supremacists egregious and unacceptable. To the families, communities, youth, and educational leaders we support, we

In June, IEL hosted the 4th National Family & Community Engagement Conference in San Francisco. Over 1,700 participants gathered to learn and share, and it was an overwhelming success! Attendees included school district leaders, community organizers, parent leaders, nonprofit partners, student leaders, and more! Highlights included hearing from parent and student leaders as well as

How does the community schools strategy positively impact schools? Recently, Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, president and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute, released a report in conjunction with the National Education Policy Center entitled Community Schools: An Evidence-Based Strategy for Equitable School Improvement. The report demonstrates how community schools are a successful strategy for improving schools