Media Release: Regional Partnerships receive $3 million investment
Ballmer Group invests $3 million to support WSAC’s regional partnership work to increase educational attainment
December 30, 2024
Olympia—The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has announced a $3 million investment from Ballmer Group to enhance the capacity and impact of its regional partnership work, including the innovative Regional Challenge Grant (RCG). Through RCG, WSAC supports the formation and growth of cross-sector, regional partnerships committed to achieving the state’s postsecondary attainment goal—that 70 percent of adults obtain a postsecondary credential.
WSAC’s regional partnership work aligns with multiple levers of change employed across Ballmer Group’s priorities: strengthening and developing local partnerships, partnering with government, investing in systems change, and scaling data capacity. Ballmer Group’s financial contribution will enable WSAC to amplify RCG’s impact in three ways:
- Supporting and enhancing the data capabilities of smaller, rural RCG partnerships to carry out robust measurement, evaluation, and process improvement efforts.
- Pursuing opportunities to grow existing partnerships into nearby communities, expanding the program’s geographic reach.
- Exploring strategies aimed at increasing retention and degree completion, so students can not only access college or training but also succeed in obtaining a credential—thereby improving their lifelong economic mobility.
WSAC believes that community-based collaborations have the greatest potential to impact students. The combined investment of public and private dollars with local resources offers regional partnerships much-needed capacity to shape student outcomes from a position of deep community knowledge and trust.
“We deeply appreciate this powerful investment and our partnership with the Ballmer Group,” said Michael Meotti, executive director at WSAC. “Building stronger pathways to education and training at the community level is the only way we can create more access to the strong career opportunities available across our state. The state needs to support community leaders who share our vision.”
Since 2022, WSAC has committed more than $11 million in funding to RCG partnerships. The current RCG cohort consists of 13 partnerships from 18 counties across Washington State, with more than 137 total organizations dedicated to increasing postsecondary attainment. Ballmer Group’s investment will help ensure continuity, build capacity and improve outcomes for these dynamic partnerships and the students and families they serve.
About Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC): WSAC is committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington.
About Ballmer Group: Ballmer Group is committed to improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States. They fund leaders and organizations that have demonstrated the ability to reshape opportunity and reduce systemic inequities.
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