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Siegel Family Endowment Allocates $12 Million to Enhance Technology, Education, and Infrastructure Nationwide

On May 6, 2025, the Siegel Family Endowment, a philanthropic organization focused on the intersection of technology and society, heralded a significant grant totaling over $12 million. This funding is directed towards forward-thinking entities that aim to empower individuals and communities in a future dominated by technological advancements. Rather than treating artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation as isolated goals, the foundation perceives these investments as vital catalysts that can help reshape our approaches to learning, infrastructure, and collaboration.

Joshua Elder, Vice President and Head of Grantmaking at the Siegel Family Endowment, emphasized the urgency of adapting to rapid technological changes, stating, “We are witnessing a remarkable technological transformation that requires fresh perspectives on how we equip learners, bolster communities, and forge inclusive digital systems.” He stressed the foundation's commitment to placing individuals at the core of technological development, ensuring that communities can actively participate in designing the digital infrastructures they need to thrive.

Key Recipients of the Grant

The grants are dispersed among a variety of organizations, each contributing uniquely to the overarching goal:

• - 1Up Coaching: Enhancing personalized career coaching services.
• - BetaNYC: Launching the PiTech/AI workforce program.
• - Break Through Tech: Increasing access to tech careers for underrepresented students.
• - Cornell Tech: Fostering tech innovations in education.
• - University of Washington Tech Policy Lab: Hosting postdoctoral fellows to investigate tech's societal impacts.

These organizations embody an array of approaches, focusing on inclusive access to technology, educational innovation, strengthening community networks, and diverse talent development. They collectively echo the foundation's method of reimagining what it means to create sustainable and impactful digital and educational ecosystems.

Redesigning Infrastructure for a Community-Centric Future

The Siegel Family Endowment's mission extends to crafting an inclusive digital infrastructure that caters to various communities. Institutions like Break Through Tech are inspiring change by improving pathways to high-impact technology roles for marginalized groups. Meanwhile, organizations such as BetaNYC plan to reinforce New York City’s leadership in data management, benefiting from the two-year grant earmarked for their ambitious workforce program.

Another noteworthy initiative involves the University of Washington, where a new postdoctoral fellow will explore the societal repercussions of emerging technologies, fostering policy development that keeps community priorities front and center.

Advancing Learner-Centric Educational Models

Adapting to the changing landscape of learning, Siegel Family Endowment is championing innovative instructional systems designed with learners in mind. The foundation is supporting LearnerStudio, which is working to create a comprehensive education taxonomy and finance tracker. This tool will assist stakeholders in evaluating and funding educational models that prioritize students' needs, marking a significant shift towards learner-centered teaching methodologies.

Supporting Local Communities through Innovative Growth

A deeper commitment to place-based innovation emerges as various grantees redefine community development. Rebuild by Design, for instance, is deploying support for community-focused infrastructure design aimed at enhancing climate resilience, while Opportunity AI seeks to provide underserved communities with critical resources to navigate the evolving AI economy effectively.

In Atlanta, MakerUSA is strengthening its partnership with the STE(A)M Truck program, focusing on enhancing maker education and community collaborations through strategic initiatives and community engagement efforts.

Final Thoughts

In a climate where trust, creativity, and shared accountability are paramount, the Siegel Family Endowment’s collective investments signify a commitment to fostering a more inclusive digital future. The grants are a step towards creating robust educational frameworks, accessible technological advances, and sustainable community models that are built on mutual respect and collaboration. As the landscape of technology continues to evolve, the efforts championed by the Siegel Family Endowment serve as a vital blueprint for inclusive and equitable growth across sectors and communities.

About Siegel Family Endowment

Founded in 2011 by David Siegel, who co-chairs the financial sciences firm Two Sigma, the Siegel Family Endowment employs a rigorous, inquiry-driven approach to grantmaking. The foundation aims to utilize its resources to address complex societal challenges effectively, supporting organizations at the convergence of learning, workforce development, and digital infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and investment in innovation, the Endowment aspires to facilitate a society where all individuals possess the tools and knowledge necessary to engage with an ever-evolving world.