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is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by partners and donors committed to advancing fair education policies and practices that elevate learning for students from low-income families and students of color in the southern states. We develop and disseminate research-based solutions for policymakers and grow the capacity of education leaders and influencers to create systemic change.
We believe education justice is essential to achieve quality and fairness in the public education system.
Justice exists when race and income are no longer the most reliable predictors of student success and systems work to ensure that each child receives what they need when they need it, to develop to their full academic and social potential. We envision a world where every student, regardless of background, enjoys an education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve.
Since 1867, the mission of Southern Education Foundation has been to advance fair education practices and policies in the South through research, advocacy, and leadership development that will result in every student regardless of background attaining a high-quality education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve.

Public School Students First

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ECE Rural Childcare Report_r3

Download 2024 financial report 2024 SEF Financial Report

Raymond Pierce

Kenita Williams

Fred Jones

James Wilson

Kyra Tucker

Montray Love

Sandtori Solomon

Tianna Quiller

Tinghan Wang

Todd M. Poe, Jr.

Zhané Waye

Zoe Som

A little recognition for work that makes a big difference! 🎉💙 The Southern Education Foundation is proud to be ranked on of the top nonprofits on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2026 Nonprofits – Charitable Organizations List! We’re honored to be recognized as we continue working to advance educational opportunity and equity across the South. Here’s to the partners, supporters, and communities who make this work possible! #SouthernEducation #EducationOpportunity #SEF #AtlantaBusinessChronicle

Strong communities start with strong child care systems. For families across the rural South, finding child care can mean navigating long waitlists, limited hours, and a system that struggles to support its own educators. Our latest report, Examining Child Care in the Rural South, reveals three numbers we can’t ignore: 📊 87% of surveyed child care directors reported waitlists due to limited capacity. 🕒 66% of those surveyed reported unmet demand for evening, weekend, or other nontraditional-hour care. ❤️ Just 35% of surveyed early educators had access to employer-sponsored health insurance. These challenges affect more than child care. They shape children’s early learning opportunities, parents’ ability to work, and the economic strength of rural communities. So, what will it take to build a stronger child care system? Our report offers community-informed recommendations to help move us forward. 🔗 Read the full report at the link in our bio. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ChildCare #RuralCommunities #SouthernEducation

College success takes a community! 🎓🤝 At the 2026 National College Attainment Network (NCAN) Conference, SEF’s Director of Leadership Development, Dr. Amber Davis, joined a panel exploring how community foundations and grassroots nonprofits can work together to help more students across the South persist in college and earn their degrees. The session, “Catalyzing Community Foundations and Grassroots Nonprofits to Advance Postsecondary Persistence and Completion in the South,” brought together representatives from SEF, ECMC Foundation, the Community Foundation of North Louisiana, and OHLA STEAM Group. SEF believes that when communities have the resources and partnerships they need, more students can achieve their college dreams. 💙 #SouthernEducation #NCAN2026 #CollegeAccess

📣 Public school students must not be left behind! 📣 In recent @npr coverage, “Can the new federal voucher program help public schools? Democrats are torn,” SEF’s efforts to help public school students benefit from the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit are part of a national conversation about the policy’s future. SEF has serious concerns about the policy, but our commitment remains clear: protect and strengthen public education while ensuring students have access to high-quality, evidence-based learning opportunities. Through an alliance of scholarship-granting organizations, SEF aims to help connect public school students with resources like high-impact tutoring — with transparency, accountability, and student outcomes at the center. Our engagement is not an endorsement of the policy. It’s about making sure public school students aren’t left out. 🎧 Read or listen to the NPR story at the link in our bio. #SouthernEducation #PublicEducation #ScholarshipTaxCredit #StudentSuccess

Public school students in states that decide to opt in should not be left behind as the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit takes shape. The Southern Education Foundation is working to ensure public school students can benefit from the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit through high-quality, evidence-backed educational services, including high-impact tutoring. SEF President and CEO Raymond C. Pierce’s perspective was recently featured in TIME News, highlighting how the program can support tutoring and other educational services for public school students. Our commitment remains clear: ensure public school students have meaningful opportunities to benefit, with transparency and accountability at the forefront. Read the article and learn more about SEF’s alliance through the links in our bio. #EducationOpportunity #EducationPolicy #StudentSuccess #SouthernEducation #SEF

Meet 2026 Promise Network Fellow Dr. Sametra D. Brown, Assistant Superintendent for the Yazoo City Municipal School District in Yazoo City, Mississippi. With more than 26 years in education, Dr. Brown has served in roles ranging from teacher and principal to school improvement officer, federal programs director, and executive director of human resources. Today, she supports the implementation and oversight of programs designed to expand educational opportunity and improve student outcomes across her district. Her career reflects a deep understanding of what it takes to strengthen schools, from instructional improvement and leadership development to districtwide initiatives focused on student success. As a Promise Network Fellow, Dr. Brown joins fellow education leaders from across the South in learning, collaboration, and systems-level work focused on expanding opportunity for students and communities. Learn more about The Promise Network and meet the full cohort with the link in bio. #ThePromiseNetwork #EducationLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationalOpportunity #SouthernEducation #SEF

Meet 2026 Promise Network Fellow Dr. Edward Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Bricolage Academy in New Orleans. A native New Orleanian, Dr. Brown began his career as a special education, science, and biology teacher in New Orleans Public Schools before moving into school and system leadership. Throughout his career, he has led in both charter and district settings and supported schools in systematically underserved communities. Today, he brings that experience to his leadership at Bricolage Academy and to The Promise Network, where leaders come together to strengthen their practice, tackle complex challenges, and expand educational opportunity across the South. Learn more about The Promise Network and meet the full cohort with the link in bio. #ThePromiseNetwork #EducationLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationalOpportunity #SouthernEducation #SEF

A new chapter for the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting! 🎉 After growing its work and impact as part of the Southern Education Foundation, the Center is transitioning to become an independent 501(c)(3) organization. This milestone builds on SEF’s nearly 160-year tradition of helping promising programs and initiatives grow and expand their impact. And while the Center is entering a new chapter, our partnership remains strong. SEF President and CEO Raymond C. Pierce will serve as a founding member of the independent Center’s board as we continue working together to improve outcomes and expand opportunity for students. Learn more with the link in our bio. #CenterforOutcomesBasedContracting #Education #NewChapter

ICYMI: “Opposition and engagement are not mutually exclusive. We can continue to challenge policies we believe weaken public education while also ensuring public school students are not excluded from opportunities those policies create.” In a recent op-ed, Southern Education Foundation President and CEO Raymond Pierce examines the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit and the importance of ensuring public school students are not left behind. Read the full op-ed with the link in bio. #PublicEducation #EducationPolicy #SEF

Meet the education leaders behind the 2026 Promise Network Cohort! Across the South, education leaders are working every day to strengthen schools, strengthen education systems, and expand opportunity for students and families. The Promise Network, a Southern Education Foundation leadership development fellowship, brings together executive leaders who are committed to doing just that: strengthening their leadership, learning alongside peers, and tackling system-level challenges to expand educational opportunity. This year’s cohort connects leaders from communities across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas. We’re excited to spotlight this year’s fellows and share more about the experiences, perspectives, and communities they bring to the Network. Learn more about The Promise Network and meet the full cohort with the link in bio. #ThePromiseNetwork #EducationLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationalOpportunity #SouthernEducation #SEF

In September, Dr. Lee Johnson III, SEF’s Early Childhood Education Senior Fellow, attended The Hunt Institute’s Early Childhood Leadership Summit in Colorado, joining leaders from across the country to discuss the future of early learning. Dr. Johnson moderated a conversation with state legislators from Arizona, South Dakota, and Indiana on innovative approaches to child care affordability and workforce stability. The conversation connects directly to SEF’s work through the SECEJ Network to advance long-term funding solutions, affordable child care, and a strong, supported early childhood workforce. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EarlyLearning #ChildCare #SECEJ

We’re pleased to welcome Victor Fioresi as Southern Education Foundation’s new Chief Financial Officer. Victor brings extensive finance and operations experience across nonprofit, software, and technology services organizations. Most recently, he served as CFO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, following his role as Finance Director at Georgia Audubon and earlier work in project finance at Accenture. His broad financial leadership and cross-functional experience will help support SEF’s continued growth, sound stewardship, and long-term impact. Please join us in welcoming Victor to the SEF family! #EducationOpportunity #NonprofitLeadership #SEF #MissionDriven

Last week, we brought together education and policy leaders to unpack the new federal scholarship tax credit (FSTC), what communities should know about implementation approaches, and how we can work to ensure public school students are not left behind. Thank you to our panelists and everyone who joined the conversation! Missed it? Visit the link in our bio to watch the recording and learn more about this work. #PublicEducation #EducationPolicy #FSTC

Meaningful conversations create meaningful change. Last week, SEF President & CEO Raymond C. Pierce joined leaders, advocates, policymakers, and partners at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference to engage in conversations about the future of public education and the opportunities ahead. Gatherings like these remind us that expanding educational opportunity requires collaboration, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to ensuring every student has the resources and support they need to thrive. Thank you to everyone who made the conversation possible. We look forward to continuing the work together. @cbcfinc #CBCFALC #EducationLeadership #EducationPolicy #EducationalOpportunity #SouthernEducation #SEF

The new federal scholarship tax credit is moving closer to implementation. What could it mean for public school students in states that plan to opt in? Tomorrow, join SEF for Public School Students First: Ensuring the New Federal Tax Credit Works for Public School Students to examine what we know about the law, the decisions states will need to make, and the important role states can play in ensuring historically underinvested public school students are prioritized and benefit the most. 📅 September 23 ⏰ 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET 💻 Virtual There is still time to register with the link in bio. #SouthernEducation #PublicEducation #EducationPolicy #EducationOpportunity

What can the NBA teach us about school funding? 🏀 In a new op-ed for The 74, Stephen Owens of Brown's Promise, housed at the Southern Education Foundation, explores how an unexpected example from the NBA could inspire policymakers to rethink how education dollars are distributed and help create more equitable opportunities for students. Using examples from states that have taken innovative approaches to school finance, the piece challenges readers to rethink how we fund public education and what it takes to ensure every student has access to opportunity. 📖 Read the full op-ed at the link in bio. Learn more about how Brown's Promise collaborates with work partners to use research, litigation, and advocacy to create diverse, well-resourced schools for all children with the link in bio. #EducationPolicy #SchoolFunding #EducationalOpportunity #BrownsPromise #SouthernEducation #SEF

NEW: The Southern Education Foundation intends to launch an alliance of scholarship granting organizations focused on helping students in public schools benefit from the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible taxpayers will be able to receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying contributions to approved SGOs in participating states. The law also allows these contributions to support qualifying educational expenses for eligible students attending public schools, including tutoring and other educational services. SEF is working to ensure public education has a meaningful seat at the table as implementation moves forward. Through the new alliance, SEF will help participating SGOs build awareness, develop high-quality operations, share evidence and best practices, and create meaningful opportunities for taxpayers who want to use the federal tax credit to support students in public schools. Our focus is not simply on bringing additional resources to students. We want those resources connected to high-quality, evidence-backed services that can demonstrate meaningful results. Learn more about SEF's approach and the new alliance with the link in bio. #PublicEducation #PublicSchoolStudents #EducationOpportunity #K12Education #StudentSuccess

Educational opportunity must include access to the arts. Last week, SEF's Director of Research and Policy, Dr. Max Altman, joined partners from South Arts and the Alabama Arts Alliance to discuss how we can build a more arts-inclusive educational access and rigorous coursework agenda across the South. The conversation brought together education and arts leaders and funders to explore how collaboration, research, and policy can help expand opportunities for students and strengthen communities. Thank you to the Arts Education Partnership for convening this important discussion and to our partners for the opportunity to share ideas and learn together. @alabamaartsalliance @southartsorg #ArtsEducation #EducationPolicy #EducationalOpportunity #SouthernEducation #SEF

A child care waitlist is more than a list of names. In the study of 12 rural communities across Georgia, Mississippi, and Missouri, 87% of child care directors who participated in the study reported maintaining waitlists because they did not have the capacity to serve every family seeking care. Behind every waitlist is a family making difficult decisions, a child missing early learning opportunities, and a community working to support its youngest learners. Our latest report shares what families, providers, educators, employers, and state leaders say must happen next to strengthen child care across the rural South. 🔗 Read the report at the link in bio. #EarlyLearning #ChildCare #RuralCommunities #EducationPolicy #SouthernEducation #SEF

If states opt in to this program, public education leaders and advocates have an important role to play in ensuring public school students benefit. Join the Southern Education Foundation for Public School Students First: Ensuring the New Federal Tax Credit Program Works for Public School Students, a webinar examining what we know about the program, what it could mean for students, families, and districts, and the important role states should play in ensuring historically underinvested public school students are prioritized and benefit the most. We will break down how the program works, its potential reach, how funds could support educational opportunities and services for public school students, and what leaders should be watching as additional federal guidance is developed. 📅 September 23 ⏰ 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET 🔗 Save the date and register with the link in bio. Public funds should support public school students. Join us to learn what this new program could mean for the students and communities you serve. #SouthernEducation #PublicEducation #EducationPolicy #EducationOpportunity

As students across the South settle into a new school year, thousands of rural families are navigating a challenge that does not end when the school day begins: Can they find child care they can afford, trust, and access? Today, the Southern Education Foundation released Examining Child Care in the Rural South: Perspectives for Policy and Practice, a new report that explores how child care shapes not only children’s futures, but also the strength of families, local economies, and rural communities. Grounded in the voices of families, educators, providers, employers, and state leaders, the report offers research-informed, community-driven recommendations to help strengthen child care across the South. Read the report with the link in bio. #ChildCare #EarlyChildhood #RuralCommunities #Education #SouthernEducation WorkforceDevelopment

Books can help young people discover new ideas, understand the world around them, and imagine what is possible. This Black Reading Month, we celebrate Black authors, stories, and the power of reading to inspire generations of learners. Every student deserves access to books and learning opportunities that help them become confident readers and lifelong learners. What book by a Black author has stayed with you? Share it in the comments. 📚 #BlackReadingMonth #Literacy #EducationOpportunity #SouthernEducation

Transformational leadership begins with understanding ourselves, our history, and the systems we hope to change. Last week, the 2026 Promise Network cohort gathered for its first in-person session, Rooted to Reimagine, launching a year-long journey of learning, reflection, and leadership. Together, fellows explored how identity, history, and systems shape educational opportunity while beginning to investigate the challenges they will work to address in their own districts. Just as importantly, they began building a community of leaders committed to learning from and supporting one another. We are excited to see where this journey leads. Learn more about the Promise Network with the link in bio. @jacksonedd @wmsdnews @learneradvocate #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationLeadership #SystemsChange #SouthernEducation #ThePromiseNetwork #SEF

Only a few days remain to vote for SXSW EDU 2027 panel proposals! This year, SEF leadership and staff are part of five proposed sessions exploring the future of education, educational opportunity, workforce development, and innovative solutions that strengthen outcomes for students. Help bring these important conversations to one of education's largest national stages by casting your vote before the deadline. Vote through the link in bio. #SXSWEDU #EducationLeadership #EducationInnovation #SouthernEducation #SEF

Standing together to preserve a vital resource for schools. Forty education and civil rights organizations joined the Southern Education Foundation in urging the U.S. Department of Education to preserve the Equity Assistance Center Program. As the home of the Southern Center for Opportunity and Access (SCOA), formerly the Equity Assistance Center-South, SEF knows firsthand the importance of specialized, no-cost technical assistance that helps states, school districts, and schools meet their federal civil rights responsibilities and expand educational opportunity. The need for this work has not disappeared. It has evolved. Read the advocacy letter to learn why preserving the Equity Assistance Center Program matters, with the link in bio. #CivilRights #EducationalOpportunity #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #SCOA #SEF

The evidence is growing and so is the momentum. A new independent evaluation from WestEd found that outcomes based contracting can improve student outcomes while strengthening collaboration between school districts and education partners. At the same time, Michigan has become the latest state to embrace outcomes based contracting as part of its education funding strategy, joining a growing movement focused on accountability and results for students. As more states look for ways to strengthen educational investments, outcomes based contracting is helping ensure that resources are tied to what matters most: student success. Learn more about the work of SEF's Center for Outcomes Based Contracting and read the report at the link in bio. #StudentSuccess #EducationInnovation #EducationPolicy #EducationLeadership #SEF

Voting is open! Help bring SEF to the SXSW EDU 2027 stage. This year, SEF leadership, staff, and partners are featured in five proposed SXSW EDU sessions exploring some of the most important issues shaping education today, including workforce development, school integration, early learning, and innovative approaches that improve student outcomes. Every vote helps elevate these important conversations and bring Southern perspectives to one of education's largest national stages. 🗳️Vote through the link in our bio by August 23. Thank you for supporting SEF! @sxswedu #SXSWEDU #EducationLeadership #EducationPolicy #SouthernEducation #SEF

For nearly 160 years, SEF has worked to expand educational opportunity and protect the civil rights of students across the South. That work continues. Following SEF’s formal public comments urging the U.S. Department of Education to preserve the Equity Assistance Center Program, civil rights attorney and scholar Ted Shaw reflected on SEF’s decades-long role in pursuing the promise of Brown v. Board of Education. We are grateful for his words and his reminder of the importance of continuing this work: “The call continues; the work is not yet finished.” SEF remains committed to protecting civil rights and ensuring all students have access to a quality education. 🔗 Read our public comments at the link in bio. #EducationOpportunity #CivilRights #PublicEducation #SouthernEducation

Students should not have to get used to this. Black mold. Broken elevators. Aging residence halls. When students encounter unsafe or deteriorating living conditions, the issue extends far beyond deferred maintenance. It reflects decades of unequal investment in institutions that have opened doors of opportunity for generations of students. A new Atlanta Journal-Constitution article explores the challenges facing Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the long-standing funding disparities that continue to shape the student experience. Southern Education Foundation's Senior Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, Fred Jones Jr., provides historical and policy context, explaining why these inequities persist and what it will take to address them. Strengthening HBCUs is about more than repairing buildings. It is about ensuring students have access to learning environments that support their success and expanding educational opportunity for future generations. Read the story with the link in bio. (Photo Illustration: Chris Skinner for the AJC) #HBCUs #HigherEducation #EducationPolicy #EducationalOpportunity #SouthernEducation #SEF

We were proud to present at the UNCF UNITE 2026 Conference, sharing how our Catalyzing Community Foundations initiative is helping strengthen community partnerships that support college completion across the South. Alongside incredible partners, we explored how community foundations and local organizations can work together to expand opportunity, build capacity, and support students from enrollment through graduation. Thank you to UNCF and our fellow panelists for an inspiring conversation about what is possible when communities invest in students together. @uncf @communityfoundationbham @alabamapossible @breakthroughbham @collegechoicefoundation #CollegeCompletion #CommunityFoundations #HigherEducation #Philanthropy #SouthernEducation #SEF

What needs to change if we are serious about strengthening economic opportunity in the South? In Economic Vitality and Education in the South, Part II: Projections for a Post-Pandemic South (EVES II), the Southern Education Foundation outlines what it will take. To prepare our children for the future, we have to: -Expand educational opportunity and access -Strengthen early learning access -Stabilize and invest in the teacher workforce -Improve college affordability and completion -Align education systems with workforce realities If we are serious about avoiding the economic and social consequences that current trends suggest, we must act with urgency and evidence. Read the full EVES II report with the link in bio. #EVESII #EducationPolicy #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicVitality #PublicEducation #EducationOpportunity #SouthernEducationFoundation

Education changes lives. Opportunity changes futures. August is Black Philanthropy Month, a time to celebrate the long tradition of generosity, leadership, and community investment across the African diaspora. Give 8/28 is the national day of giving that builds on this legacy by supporting organizations creating lasting change. This Give 8/28, join the Southern Education Foundation in investing in students, educators, and communities across the South. For nearly 160 years, SEF has worked to expand educational opportunity through research, leadership development, public policy, and partnerships that help students thrive. Your support helps us continue building pathways to opportunity for the next generation. 🔗 Donate today at the link in bio. #Give828 #BlackPhilanthropyMonth #EducationOpportunity #SouthernEducation #SEF

Congratulations to Tinghan Wang and Anthony Anderson, recipients of the 2026 Ginny Looney Servant Leader Award! 👏 Presented through SEF's Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI), the award honors emerging leaders who exemplify the legacy of Ginny Looney through their commitment to ethics, servant leadership, and expanding educational opportunity across the South. We're proud to recognize Tinghan and Anthony for the leadership, service, and impact they demonstrated throughout their fellowship. Join us in congratulating this year's recipients! Learn more about the recipients with the link in bio. #SELI #ServantLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SouthernEducation #SEF

School closures are about more than individual districts. They reflect broader trends shaping the future of public education. Director of Research & Policy, Dr. Max Altman, sat down with Atlanta News First to discuss the national factors driving school closures, including declining enrollment, education funding, and what these changes mean for educational opportunity. Learn more through the Atlanta News First story, then explore the EVES II report for additional insights into the trends impacting education across the South. Link in bio to learn more. #EducationOpportunity #PublicEducation #EducationResearch #EducationPolicy #SouthernEducation

A milestone deserves a memorable celebration. As the Southern Education Foundation prepares to celebrate its 160th anniversary in 2027, we're looking for an experienced event planning partner to help bring this historic occasion to life. The celebration will include a series of events, culminating in SEF's 2027 Issues Forum, a multi-day conference in Atlanta, Georgia, that will bring together leaders to explore the future of public education across the South. If your team specializes in creating meaningful, mission-driven events, we'd love to hear from you. Know a great event planner? Tag them below or share this opportunity. Learn more at the link in bio. #RFP #EventPlanning #NonprofitEvents #SouthernEducation #SEF

A summer of learning, leadership, and impact comes to a close. Congratulations to this year's Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellows as they've completed their fellowship experience. Throughout the summer, these emerging leaders strengthened their skills, expanded their networks, and deepened their commitment to advancing educational opportunity across the South. We're proud to celebrate all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond. Congratulations, Fellows! Swipe for a few highlights from their experience. #SELI #EducationLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SouthernEducation #FutureLeaders

New from SEF: The Bottom Line The latest edition is now available, bringing you timely updates and analysis on the policies shaping education across the South. Stay informed on the issues impacting students, educators, and communities. Read the latest edition at the link in bio. #EducationPolicy #SouthernEducation #PolicyUpdates #SEF

The future of the Equity Assistance Center Program matters for schools and students across the South. As the host of EAC-South, the Southern Education Foundation recently submitted a formal public comment urging the U.S. Department of Education to preserve the Equity Assistance Center Program. Why? Because the need for specialized, evidence-based technical assistance has not disappeared. It has evolved. Equity Assistance Centers help states, school districts, and schools address school desegregation, comply with federal civil rights law, and expand educational opportunity. We're proud to see this important conversation featured in Education Week. Read the article and learn more about SEF's public comment with the link in bio. Photo Credit: Dustin Chambers/Education Week #EquityAssistanceCenters #PublicEducation #CivilRights #SouthernEducation #SEF

SELI Fellow Spotlight: Zoe Som Meet Zoe Som, a Master of Public Policy student at Vanderbilt University focusing on K–12 education policy. This summer, Zoe served as a 2026 Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow with Georgia Family Connection Partnership, where she supported community collaboration efforts that strengthen child and family well-being across Georgia. Zoe is passionate about youth civic engagement and leadership development. She is also the co-founder of Rhizome, a national nonprofit focused on empowering high school students to lead in their communities. Learn more about Zoe and the full cohort with the link in bio. #SELI #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationOpportunity

The pandemic did not reset education challenges. In many cases, it accelerated them. EVES II examines what has changed across early learning, K–12, and postsecondary systems since the pandemic, and what must change now to prepare students for a fast-moving, technology-driven economy. Swipe to learn more about these challenges and possibilities to set students up for success. Read the full report with the link in bio. #EVESII #EducationPolicy #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicVitality #PublicEducation #EducationOpportunity #SouthernEducationFoundation

SELI Fellow Spotlight: Zhané Waye Meet Zhané Waye, a Master of Public Policy student at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. This summer, Zhané served as a 2026 Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow with the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity, where she supported efforts to advance learning environments across North Carolina. A former English Language Arts teacher and Teach For America alumna, Zhané is passionate about educational opportunity, policy leadership, and creating opportunities for diverse student populations to thrive. Learn more about Zhané and the full cohort with the link in bio. #SELI #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationOpportunity

SELI Fellow Spotlight: Todd M. Poe, Jr. Meet Todd M. Poe, Jr., a Sociology and Education Studies student at Morehouse College. This summer, Todd will serve as a 2026 Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow with the Urban League of Louisiana, where he will support programs and advocacy efforts focused on education, workforce development, and economic opportunity. Todd is deeply committed to leadership and mentorship and currently serves as a Leadership Institute Ambassador for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, helping connect students to leadership and public service opportunities. Learn more about Todd and the full cohort with the link in bio. #SELI #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationOpportunity

SELI Fellow Spotlight: Tinghan Wang Meet Tinghan Wang, a Public Policy, Health, and Economics student at Emory University. This summer, Tinghan served as a 2026 Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow with the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, where she supported research and policy efforts aimed at expanding economic opportunity and well-being for communities across Georgia. Tinghan is passionate about youth advocacy and civic engagement. She has helped develop juvenile justice rehabilitation programming and supports debate education initiatives for K–12 students in Atlanta. Learn more about Tinghan and the full cohort with the link in bio. #SELI #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationOpportunity

The conversation began with an idea. Now, the research is here. Before the release of Economic Vitality and Education in the South, Part II (EVES II), SEF President & CEO Raymond C. Pierce outlined why the South's education is critical to America's economic future in his Atlanta Journal-Constitution op-ed. Now, EVES II provides the evidence, examining the opportunities and challenges shaping education and workforce systems across 17 Southern states and why expanding educational opportunity is essential to our nation's future. 📖 Read the op-ed and explore the EVES II report with the link in bio. #EVESII #EconomicVitality #WorkforceDevelopment #EducationResearch #SEF

SELI Fellow Spotlight: Tianna Quiller Meet Tianna Quiller, a doctoral candidate in K–12 Education Leadership and Policy at Vanderbilt University. This summer, Tianna served as a 2026 Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow with the Foundation for the Mid South, where she supported efforts to improve educational and economic opportunities in communities facing persistent poverty. With more than a decade of experience in special education, Tianna is passionate about expanding opportunity and strengthening educational outcomes for students and families across the South. Learn more about Tianna and the full cohort here: https://southerneducation.org/what-we-do/leadership-development/seliechoesofexcellence/seli-fellows-2026/ #SELI #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationOpportunity

SELI Fellow Spotlight: Sandtori Solomon Meet Sandtori Solomon, an Educational Studies student at Morehouse College. This summer, Sandtori has served as a 2026 Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow with City Schools of Decatur, where he will support public education initiatives serving students and families across the district. Sandtori is committed to community service and educational storytelling. As a Bonner Scholar, he has completed more than 600 service hours and currently contributes to an oral history project documenting the experiences of alumni from Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta. Learn more about Sandtori and the full cohort with the link in bio. #SELI #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationOpportunity

SELI Fellow Spotlight: Najla A. Hall Meet Najla A. Hall, a Psychology student at Howard University with a minor in Afro-American Studies. This summer, Najla has served as a 2026 Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow with MDC, where she will support efforts focused on advancing economic mobility across the South. Najla is passionate about community engagement, youth mentorship, and leadership development. She has organized initiatives supporting Black Muslim empowerment and helped establish partnerships connecting campus organizations with local schools and communities. Learn more about Najla and the full cohort with the link in bio. #SELI #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationOpportunity

SELI Fellow Spotlight: Montray Love Meet Montray Love, a Ph.D. student in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Florida. This summer, Montray has served as a 2026 Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow with Georgia State University’s College of Education and Human Development. Montray’s research focuses on educational opportunity and the historical experiences of Black educational institutions. Before pursuing doctoral studies, he served as a public school history teacher, helping students build critical thinking and civic engagement skills. Learn more about Montray and the full cohort with the link in bio. #SELI #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationOpportunity

SELI Fellow Spotlight: Kyra Tucker ⭐️ Meet Kyra Tucker, a Master of Education student in Learning, Design, and Technology at the University of Georgia. This summer, Kyra is serving as a 2026 Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow with the Center for Outcomes Based Contracting at the Southern Education Foundation. Kyra is passionate about inclusive learning environments and student leadership. During her time at Tennessee State University, she supported initiatives that fostered a more welcoming campus community. Learn more about Kyra and the full cohort with the link in bio. #SELI #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationOpportunity

A defining moment for education in the South is here. SEF's new report, Economic Vitality and Education in the South, Part II: Projections for a Post-Pandemic South (EVES II), examines the opportunities and challenges shaping education and workforce systems across 17 Southern states. The findings are clear: -Teacher shortages persist. -College affordability remains a challenge. -Chronic absenteeism continues to affect learning. -AI is reshaping workforce demands faster than many systems are adapting. The South educates more than 40% of the nation's public school students. What happens here will shape America's economic future. Read the full report at the link in bio. #EVESII #EconomicVitality #WorkforceDevelopment #EducationResearch #SouthernEducation #SEF

Educational opportunity should never depend on a student's ZIP code. The new States of Segregation report from Brown's Promise and The Segregation Tracking Project reminds us that economic and racial segregation remains a national challenge. While the report highlights where segregation persists, it also points toward solutions. States have powerful tools to strengthen public education, expand opportunity, and create well-resourced, integrated schools where every student can thrive. Understanding the data is only the first step. The next is action. Read the report and explore Brown's Promise's five policy solutions to act now with the link in bio. #PublicEducation #SchoolIntegration #EducationPolicy #EducationOpportunity #BrownsPromise #SEF

The future of America's economy will be shaped by what happens in Southern classrooms. Coming soon: Economic Vitality and Education in the South, Part II (EVES II). SEF's newest research report examines the opportunities and challenges guiding how education and workforce systems across 17 Southern states are preparing students for a post-pandemic economy. Inside the report: ✔️Early learning and workforce participation ✔️K–12 funding and teacher shortages ✔️College affordability and postsecondary pathways ✔️The policies shaping the South's economic future The data is clear, and the insights are timely. Stay tuned for the full report, and in the meantime, read the executive summary with the link in bio. #EconomicVitality #WorkforceDevelopment #EducationResearch #SEF #EVESII

America’s economic future runs through the South. In a new op-ed, SEF President & CEO Raymond C. Pierce explains why the region’s education outcomes will shape the nation’s workforce and long-term prosperity. This is not just a regional issue. It is an economic imperative. Read the op-ed with the link in bio and stay tuned for the EVES II report that is coming out soon. It dives deeper into issues discussed in the op-ed. #PublicEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicVitality #SEF

The Center for Outcomes Based Contracting is growing its team. SEF's Center for Outcomes Based Contracting is hiring a Communications & Marketing Manager to help tell the stories, share the research, and amplify the impact of the outcomes based contracting model across the country. If you're passionate about strategic communications, storytelling, and strengthening public education through evidence-based innovation, we'd love to hear from you. Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this opportunity. 🔗 Learn more at the link in bio. #NowHiring #CommunicationsJobs #EducationLeadership #PublicEducation #SEF

SELI Fellow Spotlight: James Wilson ⭐ Meet James Wilson, a Master of Public Administration student at Georgia State University. This summer, James is serving as a 2026 Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) Fellow with Every Texan, where he supports advocacy efforts centered on economic opportunity and public policy across Texas. James has demonstrated strong leadership through his service as Student Government Association President at Georgia State University and as the recipient of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Rising Star Award. We are excited to see how James’ experience through SELI will continue to strengthen his leadership and impact. Learn more about James and the full cohort with the link in bio. #SELI #EducationLeadership #SouthernEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #EducationOpportunity

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, SEF is reflecting on nearly 160 years of advancing educational opportunity across the South. In 1867, the Peabody Fund was established at a time when our nation was deeply divided. Through visionary philanthropy and a belief that education could help heal a fractured nation, the foundations that would become today's Southern Education Foundation invested in expanding opportunity across the South. For more than half of our nation's history, SEF has conducted pivotal research, developed education leaders, informed public policy, strengthened educators, and worked to ensure every child has access to a high-quality public education. Progress has been made, but the work is not finished. Too many students still face barriers to opportunity because of where they live, the resources available in their schools, or the pathways within reach. Our founders believed that education was essential to preserving the promise of liberty and expanding opportunity for future generations. That belief continues to guide our work today. Coming soon, Miles We've Come, a new podcast, will explore SEF's history, the leaders who shaped our work, and why our mission remains as important today as it was generations ago. ❤️ If you believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through a high-quality public education, help continue this work by supporting SEF with the link in bio. #Americas250 #SEFLegacy #PublicEducation #EducationOpportunity #SouthernEducation

The new edition of The Bottom Line is out now. Stay informed on the policies and developments shaping public education across the South. Read the latest edition at the link in bio. #EducationPolicy #EducationOpportunity #SEF

Since 1867, the Southern Education Foundation has worked to advance education opportunity across the South. We partner with educators, policymakers, and advocates to strengthen public education through research, policy expertise, leadership development, and systems-level solutions. Our mission is simple but urgent: advance educational opportunity in the South through policy advocacy, research, technical assistance to build capacity, and leadership development, so that every student, regardless of background, attains a high-quality education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve. Stand with us as we work to shape a stronger future for education. Learn more about our work and how you can donate to advance our mission with the link in bio.

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