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 a number of 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.
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6th in Reading
Global Ranking for U.S. Students
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10th in Science
Global Ranking for U.S. Students
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26th in Math
Global Ranking for U.S. Students
Commerce Meets Classroom
Introducing Commerce Meets Classroom, a new series from our K-12 education Senior Manager, Kyle Butler, featuring the business perspective on pressing education issues.
Stories of Education and Workforce in Action
Across our nation’s talent pipeline, we explore the stories of employers investing in the workforce of today and tomorrow to close the skills gap.
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Programs and Initiatives
Latest Content
- Dan Wuori of Early Childhood Policy Solutions reflects on his extensive career in early childhood education, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping policy.Erica Phillips of the National Association for Family Child Care discusses her background, explains how family child care homes operate, and highlights the role of businesses in supporting these vital community services.AnneMarie Robley of Imagine Early Learning Centers shares a glimpse into their expansion, culturally responsive approach, and unique methods for fostering connections, aiming to build a more inclusive and supportive childcare community.In the final edition of the first year of “Commerce Meets Classroom”, Kyle Butler provides a look back on a lively year and provides a few thoughts on where the field should be heading.A Q & A with EPIC President and CEO Nicole RiehlOn December 3–4, we hosted an invite-only event for business decision makers in partnership with Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC).As school districts face tightening budgets and a looming fiscal cliff for 2025-26, businesses have a critical role to play in supporting education through strategic investments, community partnerships, and advocacy for evidence-based programs.In this edition of "Commerce Meets Classroom," our K-12 education expert, Kyle Butler, proudly claims that we are all math people, highlighting how basic numeracy skills are crucial for building the strong American workforce of the future.Seventy-three percent of employees have a caregiving responsibility, but are employers paying attention to this shift? Denise O’Brien of Bright Horizons addresses the “trilemma” that prevents employees from finding care and shares effective employer strategies for solving the trilemma.Vermont’s innovative Act 76 addresses the child care crisis with funding through a payroll tax. Aly Richards of Let’s Grow Kids highlights the decade-long campaign, business leadership, and grassroots mobilization that made this reform possible, offering a model for other states to follow.
