Charter School Growth Fund

Geographic Scope: United States (30 states, with significant focus on Texas)

Focus Areas: Quality Schools, Education

Overview:
Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF) identifies high-performing charter schools and helps them expand, boosting academic outcomes, raising graduation rates, and unlocking opportunities for more students. Partnership between Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Charter School Growth Fund began in 2007.

Investment & Impact:

• Portfolio: Over 1,100 schools supported
• Students Reached: 725,000+ children across 30 states
• 2024 Dell Foundation Commitment: $20 million to open 30,000 new charter seats in Texas
• Dell Catalyst Fund: $300 million in facilities savings launched to allow schools to invest more in teachers and learning

Key Activities:

• Identifies promising charter networks early
• Provides leadership development support
• Builds financial strength and governance capacity
• Supports school expansion and scaling
• Strengthens high-performing charter networks

Academic Outcomes:

• More than 75% of students in CSGF-supported schools outperform peers in reading
• 66% outperform peers in math
• Strong college attendance and graduation rates among alumni (example: YES Prep alumni 73% enrolled in college or have degree)
• 100% college admission rates at some schools (e.g., Denver's Montview High School)

What They Fund:

• School expansion and scaling
• Leadership and governance development
• Financial management systems
• Facilities improvements (through Dell Catalyst Fund)
• Teacher support

Program Examples:

• YES Prep Public Schools (Houston) - college graduation rate 4x peer average
• Montview High School (Denver) - 100% college admission rate
• Texas Empowerment Academy (Austin) - students earn college credit before high school graduation
• Carmen School of Science and Technology (Milwaukee)
• Rocketship Schools - personalized learning model

Background:
Part of Michael & Susan Dell Foundation's $6.25 billion commitment to 25 million American children.