Mark Zuckerberg’s philanthropic fund, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, has given Chicago Public Schools and LEAP Innovations $14 million in grants to help Chicagoland schools introduce and expand personalized learning models, the organizations announced Tuesday.
Part of the Zuckerberg grant will directly support 35 CPS schools through its Elevate program, a 2.5-year professional development and support initiative that partners with LEAP, a nonprofit organization that works with Chicago schools to implement personalized learning curriculums for students.
Beyond the 35 CPS schools participating in Elevate, portions of the grant will help about 100 additional schools, both CPS and others throughout Chicagoland, implement personalized learning programs over the next two years in a less intensive program.
Both of the initiatives, however, will allow principals, teachers and related communities design and expand personalized learning programs, which tailors learning to each student’s unique needs. It is designed to let students learn at their own pace and have a say in how they achieve their education goals.
"Successful personalized learning starts with engaged and passionate teachers looking to support each student with an individualized path that helps them reach their goals," said CPS CEO Janice K. Jackson in a statement. "This grant will allow more dedicated educators and administrators to receive training and resources to implement personalized learning and best meet the unique needs of their students."
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, founded by Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Facebook, and his wife Priscilla Chan in 2015, is a charity fund that supports education and science research. The organization says it is also exploring how it can contribute to affordable housing and criminal justice reform in the future.
"We're partnering with Chicago Public Schools and LEAP Innovations to redesign learning environments and put far better tools in the hands of teachers—helping them do the work of their lives and provide transformative and personalized learning experiences that let students unlock their potential," said Jim Shelton, the president of education for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, in a statement. "We're proud to support CPS and LEAP's efforts to help educators understand and meet the needs of each and every student."
