Education and Literacy;Nonprofits and Philanthropy
At Great Lakes we work to make postsecondary degrees, credentials and certificates accessible to as many students as possible. Specifically, we focus our philanthropy on helping those who traditionally have the most to gain from college, but who often have the least support in getting there: students from low-income homes, students of color and first-generation students.
This Report highlights our belief that overcoming barriers to graduation requires engaging both students and colleges—with success being their shared goal. In it you'll find details on many of the 50 grants we launched in 2016, several key findings and our goals for the coming year.
August 1970
Geographic Focus: North America / United States (Midwestern) / Iowa;North America / United States (Midwestern) / Minnesota;North America / United States (Midwestern) / Wisconsin;North America / United States (Midwestern) / Ohio;North America / United States (Southern) / Arkansas;North America / United States (Midwestern) / North Dakota
Education and Literacy;Parenting and Families;Poverty
In an effort to improve family economic security in rural communities, Southern Bancorp Community Partners (SBCP) sought a sustainable funding source in 2013 for Arkansas's Aspiring Scholars Matching Grant (ASMG) Program, a savings incentive for low-to-moderate income families that matches funds saved for a child's college education in the 529 GIFT Plan, and investigated the possible creation of a matched 529 savings program in Mississippi. SBCP authored this paper to illustrate and examine the current options of college savings accounts offered in both states and analyze the causes behind low participation in each state's 529 plans.
August 1970
Geographic Focus: North America / United States (Southern) / Arkansas;North America / United States (Southern) / Mississippi
Examines flaws in evaluations of teacher effectiveness that lead districts to allow poor performance to go unaddressed. Recommends a comprehensive system, to be used accountably and integrated with human capital policies, and efficient dismissal policies.
August 1970
Geographic Focus: North America-United States (Southern)-Arkansas, North America-United States (Western)-Colorado, North America-United States (Midwestern)-Illinois, North America-United States (Midwestern)-Ohio
Education and Literacy;Employment and Labor
Examines successful state strategies in instituting a community college-centered career pathway framework, a series of education and training programs and support services focused on specific occupational sectors. Explores challenges and lessons learned.
August 1970
Geographic Focus: North America / United States (Midwestern) / Wisconsin;North America / United States (Southern) / Kentucky;North America / United States (Northwestern) / Oregon;North America / United States (Southern) / Arkansas;North America / United States (Northwestern) / Washington
Education and Literacy;Race and Ethnicity
Assesses whether the state's reforms can close the achievement gap among racial and socioeconomic groups. Proposes additional steps such as school health programs, extended learning programs, targeted small classes, and more parental engagement.
August 1970
Geographic Focus: North America / United States (Southern) / Arkansas
Children and Youth;Education and Literacy;Health
Summarizes findings on the impact of a comprehensive school-based intervention to prevent childhood obesity. Examines changes in school nutrition policy and in parents' and students' behaviors and awareness. Compares responses by students' weight status.
August 1970
Geographic Focus: North America / United States (Southern) / Arkansas
