#United States #New York #Workforce Development #Siegel Family #Future-Ready Education

Significant Funding for Transformative Education Initiatives

On July 29, 2025, the Siegel Family Endowment unveiled a substantial grant of nearly $17 million aimed at revolutionizing learning, workforce development, and community-focused innovations. The foundation, dedicated to exploring the societal impact of technology, seeks to empower communities to actively engage in shaping their technological landscape rather than merely adapting to it.

Joshua Elder, the Vice President and Head of Grantmaking at Siegel Family Endowment, articulated the vision behind the initiative. “What would it look like for communities to lead the design of both emerging technologies and the places where innovation takes root?” These grants reflect the foundation's commitment to fostering systems of learning and employment that include genuine input from local stakeholders such as students, educators, and workers. Targeting organizations that are pioneering new approaches, the funding aims to develop a more equitable, relevant, and resilient innovative landscape.

Grant Recipients and Their Initiatives

Among the numerous organizations awarded grants are:

• - Aspen Digital (program of the Aspen Institute)
• - Biodesign Challenge
• - The Birmingham Promise
• - Black River Innovation Campus
• - Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
• - Center on Rural Innovation
• - Center for Labor and a Just Economy (Harvard Law School)
• - CitizensNYC
• - Feedback Labs
• - Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (Stanford d.school)
• - Jobs for the Future (JFF)
• - The Obama Foundation
• - National Council of Nonprofits
• - SETDA
• - Study Group

These organizations are recognized for their innovative programs that combine technology and community engagement. For instance, the Carnegie Foundation is working on transforming American high schools by shifting from traditional time-based learning to competency-based education models, aimed at preparing students for contemporary professional landscapes.

In collaboration with various communities, Stanford’s d.school is focused on rethinking the synergy between technology and humanity to better align innovations with regional needs. CitizensNYC is commemorating five decades of fostering community-driven solutions for local challenges, epitomizing the kind of grassroots initiatives the grants seek to support.

Bridging Learning and Infrastructure

The Siegel Family Endowment recognizes that the transformation of education intertwines with the innovation of community infrastructure. Initiatives like Aspen Digital’s engagement with cross-sector leaders illustrate the necessity for emerging technologies to enhance rather than hinder local information ecosystems. Moreover, the Obama Foundation concentrates on nurturing a new generation of leaders who will champion inclusivity and civic engagement.

Each project funded represents a commitment to reshaping how communities address their challenges and leverage technology inclusively. For instance, several grantees like Biodesign Challenge and Black River Innovation Campus are investigating methods to tie innovation directly to public welfare and local empowerment.

Preparing the Workforce for AI Advancement

As we enter an era fundamentally altered by artificial intelligence, the Siegel Family Endowment is also emphasizing the preparation and empowerment of the workforce. One notable effort is Jobs for the Future (JFF), which is launching an Entrepreneur-In-Residence Accelerator Program, designed to assist entrepreneurs who are developing AI solutions with inclusivity and ethical considerations at the forefront.

In addition, the Center for Labor and a Just Economy at Harvard Law School is researching the implications of AI on business operations, offering valuable insights on the automations' risks and opportunities. The Center on Rural Innovation is engaging rural communities to create tech talent ecosystems that address local demands and cultivate relevant skills. In Birmingham, Alabama, The Birmingham Promise is crafting pathways into the tech sector for local youth, fostering an environment that supports inclusive talent development.

About Siegel Family Endowment

Established in 2011 by David Siegel, co-founder of financial science firm Two Sigma, the Siegel Family Endowment approaches grantmaking with a scientific inquiry-based framework. The foundation believes philanthropy plays a crucial role in tackling some of society's most complex issues. Their strategy focuses on supporting organizations that sit at the intersection of education, workforce development, and infrastructure enhancement. By doing so, they aspire to create a world where all individuals have the resources, skills, and contexts necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving society.