We build stronger, more sustainable systems of support and
funding with statewide organizations.
Photo: White-Riley-Peterson Afterschool Policy Fellowship program
Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
The Nebraska Children and Families Foundation engaged the Smarter Learning Group first to facilitate the development of a five-year sustainability plan in 2022. We are now supporting the implementation of that plan and serving as an advisor for the leadership of the organization as they work to create positive change and opportunities for children across Nebraska.
The Riley Institute
Since 2011, the Smarter Learning Group has served as the lead facilitator of the White-Riley-Person (WRP) Fellowship program for the Riley Institute at Furman University. Each year, we collaborate to design a 10-month fellowship experience for at least 15 afterschool and summer learning leaders across the country who are committed to improving policy and funding for their programs at the state level. Since its inception, we have supported more than 165 fellows in all 50 states, which is supported by the C.S. Mott Foundation. Based on the success of that effort, the Smarter Learning Group worked with the Riley Institute and the South Carolina Department of Education in 2022 to launch the SCALE Fellowship program (South Carolina Afterschool Leaders Empowered) specifically for South Carolina leaders in afterschool education.
Colorado Department of Education
The Smarter Learning Group recently began work with the Colorado Department of Education. The firm will facilitate a capacity-building workshop and a series of webinars to support their 21st Century funded afterschool and summer program providers. We will equip workshop participants to improve the quality of summer-learning programs in 2023 and support grantees in capturing lessons to be applied in future summers.
