People Powered Education

We partner with people to transform the education system, nurturing the brilliance and power of Detroit youth.

We want Detroit youth to achieve their highest aspirations, to be successful and prosperous in life, and to forge a better future for all. To get there requires an exceptional and equitable education system.

Today’s education system is in desperate need of updates and upgrades. We’re working alongside Detroiters to envision and enact an innovative, future-forward education system that meets the needs of every student.

People with firsthand experience—students, educators, parents, and education advocates—have the insights and ideas needed to transform our education system. What they need more of are resources, supports, and connections to understand and lean into the policymaking side of education.

The Skillman Foundation is investing in those two things: Detroiters’ power and access to design an exceptional and equitable education system (our Ground Building work), in lockstep with policy movers who are currently setting education policy and practices (our Policy & Systems work).

Transforming our education system is possible, and change is already underway. Building sustainable positive change will take many positions on the field working in concert, from the grassroots to the grasstops and many places in between. The Skillman Foundation is directing all of our resources toward fueling a shared vision for education where all partner for young people’s success.

The Skillman Foundation will focus our grantmaking and efforts on four aims:

Expand education organizing power.
Young people, educators, and community members grow individual and collective power to define, design, and influence education.

Elevate Detroiters’ perspectives in education policy.
Policymaking is informed by and responsive to the needs and priorities defined by Detroit youth and their advocates. Policy implementation is supported to ensure equitable outcomes are realized.

Build common ground for education system change.
Bridge people, perspectives, and ideas by developing connections and fostering aligned action toward a shared vision for equitable education.

Be an accountable and racially equitable grantmaker.
Design and promote grantmaking and philanthropic practices that build trust and invite accountability.

As we build out our strategies and grant areas, we will update this site. To be notified of updates, sign up for our monthly newsletter.