While the majority of the Gates Foundation’s annual budget is dedicated to health projects in Africa and Asia, approximately 10% is allocated to a different initiative within the U.S. The primary aim of this program is to enhance public education from kindergarten through high school, particularly in underprivileged districts, and assist high school graduates in securing good employment opportunities. Utilizing data-driven insights, a focus on return on investment inspired by the tech industry, public advocacy, and partnerships with various public and private entities, the Gates Foundation has subtly influenced school districts to align with its key principles. These principles include emphasizing math, particularly algebra, providing professional development for teachers, and promoting innovative educational approaches.
Over the past 25 years, the Gates Foundation’s U.S. Program has collaborated with over 3,700 organizations, such as school districts, colleges, nonprofits, and businesses, nationwide. Notably, U.S. public education has seen significant improvements, with the high school graduation rate climbing from 71% in 2001 to 87% in 2022. While acknowledging that the foundation cannot solely be credited for this progress, Allan Golston, head of the U.S. Program, expresses pride in their contributions.
The program initially faced challenges similar to those encountered by the foundation’s international efforts in combating tropical diseases, notably inadequate data. By working with the National Governors Association, all states now use the foundation’s comprehensive graduation rate definition, resulting in more accurate but lower graduation rate figures. This shift prompted calls for action from officials and parents and marked the beginning of further improvements.
Identifying around 2,000 struggling schools, referred to as “dropout factories,” the foundation advocated for smaller, more personalized schools as a solution. While this approach led to increased graduation rates and college enrollment in some urban areas, its feasibility on a national scale was limited due to various challenges and high costs. As a result, the foundation now emphasizes universal strategies such as improved curriculum, teacher development, and tutoring, with a specific focus on the critical role of algebra in student success.
According to Golston, passing Algebra 1 in ninth grade is a key predictive factor for students. Those who achieve this milestone are twice as likely to graduate from high school, have higher chances of pursuing and completing college, and are better equipped for careers that increasingly demand analytical skills. Golston emphasizes the significant impact this achievement can have on a student’s academic journey, noting that improving this metric could lead to substantial progress and success.
In today’s job market, a high school diploma alone is not sufficient, as many roles now require postsecondary education. The foundation’s focus is on ensuring students secure valuable postsecondary credentials to access better job opportunities, even if this does not always mean obtaining a traditional four-year college degree. Whether it’s a two-year program or a specialized certificate, research highlights the importance of maintaining momentum by enrolling in further education immediately after high school.
Through its U.S. Program, the foundation remains committed to ongoing experimentation, with some hypotheses being validated while others are refuted. Golston acknowledges the progress made in certain areas, which fuels optimism and determination within the organization. The ultimate goal is to scale successful initiatives to benefit more students, as evidenced by the foundation’s unwavering dedication to student success.
This article was originally published on Fortune.com.
