Education

Quality education is essential to a skilled and competitive workforce. Access to education, coupled with reliable, quality childcare is key for improving economic opportunities for all Americans.
Our education system is failing many students as shown by data that reveals two-thirds of our fourth and eighth graders are unable to read or do math at their grade level. And the United States ranks below 21 other countries in reading and math proficiency. Recognizing the importance of childcare as a key component of the education system is crucial to addressing the current challenges and ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive.
Opinion
U.S. Chamber Foundation Senior Director Aaron Merchen argues that employers are increasingly recognizing that child care support is vital to not only help businesses survive but also to help communities thrive.

Future of Data in K-12 Education Initiative Can Help Inform a Critical Impasse
The U.S. Chamber Foundation has launched a multi-year initiative with the support of a working group of preeminent leaders in education to develop policy recommendations focused on all students, especially those who have been historically underserved by the K-12 system.
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Parents Need Child Care, and More Are Finding It At Work
As the child care crisis rages on, more companies are trying to help their workers with children with on-site child care.
Case Study
Child Care Answers is working to increase access to high-quality childcare for families, providers, the community, and employers in Indiana.
Programs
Latest Content
On September 29 and 30, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2022 Early Childhood Education Summit in Denver, Colorado providing an opportunity for business leaders, providers, and early childhood advocates to discuss and analyze child care through a state-and-federal policy lens. Aaron Merchen (Education, US Chamber of Commerce & Director, Policy & Programs, Early Childhood Education, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation) who led the summit and worked with the state and regions toward identifying early childhood priorities and creating actions to address those priorities to policymakers discussed some key takeaways.
On Tuesday, September 27th, the U.S. Chamber Foundation hosted the 2022 National Learning Network Summit sponsored by GoEducate, with over 100 in-person attendees and more joining virtually. The Summit brought together faculty, fellows, and partners to collaborate and engage the core element of the TPM Academy® strategies through networking, immersive case studies, breakout rooms, and panels led by an array of subject specialists.
At a time when we need to address STEM labor shortages, we cannot afford to leave segments of our population behind. The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports a strategy to address these issues through the newly funded Community College Presidents’ Initiative in STEM Education. Community colleges, serving the most diverse student body in higher education, are fertile ground for effective diversification of the STEM workforce. 51% of community college students taking college credit classes are students of color.
The loss of eligibility for public safety-net programs and the benefits they provide as income rises above eligibility limits is called a “benefit cliff.” Benefits cliffs can significantly impact lower-wage workers and their families financially and may act as a disincentive for pursuing modest promotions and incremental raises and career development.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation has launched a multi-year initiative with the support of a working group of preeminent leaders in education to develop policy recommendations focused on all students, especially those who have been historically underserved by the K-12 system.
Amber Rangel Mooney, who participated in the Elite Cohort of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship Program (Business Leads), currently works as vice president and director of workforce development at Empire State Development and knows the importance of expanding career growth opportunities first-hand.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced a groundbreaking new initiative focused on improving education outcomes for all students. The U.S. Chamber Foundation is leading a multi-year initiative with the support of a working group of preeminent leaders in education. The working group members bring an impressive breadth of experience, expertise, and diverse perspectives to this initiative. Included are leaders of organizations such as The Education Trust, Foundation for Excellence in Education, Parents Amplifying Voices in Education, and the Center for Measurement Justice.
Cheryl Oldham, senior vice president at U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, reflects on the importance of K-12 policy for America's next generation and the future of the workforce.
Aaron Merchen, director of policy and programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will host a new video series, the Drumbeat, centered on issues surrounding Early Childhood Education.