NewSchools: Learning Solutions Grant Program

NewSchools: Learning Solutions Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: NewSchools Venture Fund
Amount: US $150,000 - US $250,000
Last Updated: November 23, 2025

Summary

The NewSchools: Learning Solutions Grant Program aims to empower K-8 students by enhancing their literacy and numeracy skills, crucial for overcoming educational challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. With a focus on innovative learning solutions, the program seeks to fund early-stage ideas that engage students and support educators. By leveraging research and technology, including generative AI, it aims to create equitable educational opportunities, fostering a brighter future for all students.

Overview

NOTE: The final application deadline is January 8, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST. The first step is to complete the eligibility form to determine if your idea aligns with our strategy. We strongly encourage you to submit the form by the priority deadline of December 10, 2025. Submitting this form early will give you the opportunity to receive personalized support to strengthen your application. Our Vision We envision an education system that keeps its promise to all students. That’s why we invest in the ideas and energy of education leaders and entrepreneurs who are advancing innovative solutions that expand the definition of what works. There’s a better way to advance education through philanthropy — one that is more equitable, more collaborative, and more courageous–and we’re proving it every day. Learning Solutions Grant Program Overview Empowering students to read and write is fundamental to their ability to learn across subject areas and communicate with others. Building students’ math abilities, from early math skills through algebraic thinking, enables them to make sense of the world around them, analyze complex topics, and solve problems. Together, literacy and numeracy reinforce each other and create a foundation for students to build success in and beyond school – preparing young people to achieve their goals, participate in society, and live happy, healthy lives. Foundational literacy and numeracy are especially important now, as students are faced not just with higher expectations, but also unprecedented levels of unfinished learning caused by pandemic-related school closures and the resulting life and mental health challenges that followed. There is a critical need for innovation to increase student access to inspiring and effective K-8 reading and math experiences. What We’re Looking For NewSchools will invest in learning solutions that accelerate K-8 reading and math growth by unlocking the power of research and instructional expertise. We will invest in tools, content, and models that address the following critical opportunities: Engaging and empowering students to build critical skills, such as reading comprehension and algebraic thinking, that set a foundation for learning and success Supporting teachers and families to deliver grade-level and differentiated instruction that meet a range of student needsLeveraging generative AI to increase access to research-based instruction and personalized learning Cross-Cutting Priorities Across our portfolios, we seek solutions that: Leverage generative artificial intelligence to improve teaching and learningEmbrace learning that happens outside of school, and support students in achieving college and career successEnhance teaching and learning for students with learning differences within and beyond our three main focus areas

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. NewSchools invests in the ideas and energy of education leaders and entrepreneurs who are advancing innovative solutions and creating new possibilities for all students. Our investments are focused on reimagining U.S. PK-12 public education.We fund early-stage ideas and support teams that plan to run a pilot in the next year.NewSchools supports recently launched organizations as well as new initiatives within an existing organization. A new initiative is a distinct body of work that is differentiated from an organization’s existing efforts.For initiatives at existing organizations, we want to understand who will lead the work. There must be a dedicated initiative leader focused on advancing the work.

Ineligibility

If you are designing and/or opening a new school in the coming school years, please do not apply to this funding opportunity.We do not provide funding to grow or scale existing work that is 2+ years post-implementation in established organizations