At 50CAN, we see a vision for

The Future of American Education

What we do

To transform our education system, we all have a role to play. Leaders at 50CAN work in one of four domains that, taken together, will bring about the future. Together these four approaches–advocate, spark, build, and serve–are ushering in new pathways to learning that are helping millions of kids get the support they need to thrive.

ADVOCATE

At our core, 50CAN is a network of state-based, local leaders who ADVOCATE and drive change at the local level through first-in-class advocacy.

Learn about our state-based advocacy campaigns →

SPARK

This local advocacy is complemented by our investments to find fresh policies and new voices who SPARK ideas and advance the public will in favor of the big educational changes that are necessary.

Explore our ideas & fellowships →

BUILD

We also partner with educational entrepreneurs who BUILD new proof points of what’s possible in an education system where kids can truly learn anywhere.

View the proof points we’re building →

SERVE

And we support committed leaders on local school boards and in statehouses who SERVE the public by putting the interests of kids first.

Explore our support of elected officials & public servants →

Our Biggest Wins

Since our founding in 2011, the 50CAN Network has achieved over 235 legislative victories, trained more than 5,000 parent advocates, assisted 100 emerging policy minds and messengers, launched dozens of new organizations to pilot new ideas and deepened the policy expertise of 20 elected officials. Among our biggest wins:

Fair Funding in Connecticut

In 2021, ConnCAN secured the largest school funding reform of the past 20 years, creating a new model with more than $130 million going to high-needs districts.

Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA)

TennesseeCAN secured passage of TISA, giving an additional 25% of per-pupil funding for each economically disadvantaged student being served by a school.

The Universal ESA in North Carolina

CarolinaCAN was not only behind the creation of the first ESA in North Carolina to serve students with special needs, but expanded that ESA in 2023 to expand access to every child in the state.

Where We Are

50CAN is a nationwide movement to build the future of education. See our footprint:
Executive Director: Michael O'Sullivan

GeorgiaCAN

Michael O'Sullivan, Executive Director

GeorgiaCAN seeks to identify and advance common-sense policies that put the needs of students first. We engage local stakeholders—from community members to policy makers—to advocate for student success throughout the entire public education system.

Executive Director: Kelli Bottger

Louisiana Kids Matter Campaign

Kelli Bottger, Executive Director

Louisiana Kids Matter Campaign was created to ensure every student in Louisiana receives a high-quality education regardless of their zip code.

National Voices Fellows in Texas

National Voices Fellows in Texas

Ugochi Emenaha

Kristin Algier

Nathaniel Cunneen

National Voices Fellows in Florida

National Voices Fellows in Florida

Santarvis Brown
National Voices Fellows in Illinois

National Voices Fellows in Illinois

Dan Vosnos
National Voices Fellows in Tennessee

National Voices Fellows in Tennessee

Shelby Doyle
National Voices Fellows in New York

National Voices Fellows in New York

Abigail Singh

Danyela Egorov

Ray Ankrum

SchoolFacts Boston

50CAN Builder

SchoolFacts Boston

SchoolFacts Boston is founded and run by Boston families committed to working together to improve education for all in Boston.

New Jersey Education Report

50CAN Builder

New Jersey Education Report

Dedicated to fact-based journalism and commentary on the state of education in New Jersey.

CTLEAD

50CAN Builder

CTLEAD

LEAD is an organization that empowers communities as we "Serve to Advocate" for the advancement of high-quality charter schools in the State of Connecticut.

Charleston RISE

50CAN Builder

Charleston RISE

Charleston RISE empowers public education advocates by connecting them to each other and then preparing them to improve our schools…together.

Education Civil Rights Now

50CAN Builder

Education Civil Rights Now

ECRN is working to make quality public schools a civil right for all children in America.

FCCS- Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools

50CAN Builder

FCCS- Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools

Expanding quality public school options and ensuring Black and Brown voices are heard.

National Voices Fellows in Pennsylvania

National Voices Fellows in Pennsylvania

Jocelyn Pickford
National Voices Fellows in Arizona

National Voices Fellows in Arizona

Tonya Strozer

Jenny Clark

National Voices Fellows in Oregon

National Voices Fellows in Oregon

Christine Pitts
National Voices Fellows in New Mexico

National Voices Fellows in New Mexico

Jenai Emmel
Executive Director: Marcus Brandon

CarolinaCAN

Marcus Brandon, Executive Director

NorthCarolinaCAN advocates for the success of every North Carolina student, from pre-K through college and career. We improve policy to help all students thrive and share promising practices and stories to demonstrate that all kids CAN succeed.

TennesseeCAN

TennesseeCAN empowers local stakeholders—from community members to policymakers—to advocate for improved K-12 education policies that put Tennessee children first. Together, we are working to ensure students have access to high-quality schools, teachers and resources that prioritize their unique educational talents and needs.
Executive Director: Paula White

JerseyCAN

Paula White, Executive Director

JerseyCAN believes that all families must have access to high-quality schools and that students need continuous support with appropriate resources and excellent teaching, regardless of their zip code, cultural background or socioeconomic status.

Executive Director: Steven Hernández, Esq

ConnCAN

Steven Hernández, Esq., Executive Director

ConnCAN is leading a movement to improve education outcomes for Connecticut’s kids. We bring advocates, policymakers, parents and educators together to give all kids access to the great public schools they deserve.

50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship

50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship

Aisha Carr
Milwaukee Board of School Directors

Darryl Jackson
Milwaukee Board of School Directors

50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship

50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship in New Mexico

Joshua Hernandez
New Mexico House of Representatives
50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship

50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship in Nevada

Erica Mosca
Nevada House of Representatives
50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship

50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship in California

Maggie Bove-LaMonica
Hermosa Beach School Board
50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship

50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship

Michael Whaley
Shelby County Commission

Harold Love
Tennessee House of Representatives

Bo Watson
Tennessee Senate

50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship

50CAN Action Fund's Believe in Better Education Policymakers Fellowship in Georgia

Erika Mitchell
Atlanta School Board

Scott Hilton
Georgia House of Representatives

Executive Director: Britney Mumford

DelawareKidsCAN

Britney Mumford, Executive Director

We believe it will take a community of advocates pushing the system to make sure all schools help kids achieve their potential. And we believe Delaware needs to act NOW to create the type of education system students deserve.

Executive Director: David Sun-Miyashiro

HawaiiKidsCAN

David Sun-Miyashiro, Executive Director

HawaiiKidsCAN will empower communities with accessible information about our schools, and help elevate their voices and concerns to build the conditions for all students in Hawaii to thrive.

Executive Director: Nicholas Martinez

Transform Education Now (TEN)

Nicholas Martinez, Executive Director

TEN will empower communities with accessible information about our schools, and help elevate their voices and concerns to build the conditions for all students in Colorado to thrive.

Executive Director: Amanda Aragon

NewMexicoKidsCAN

Amanda Aragon, Executive Director

NewMexicoKidsCAN serves as a catalyst and conduit to advocate for community-informed, student-centered and research-backed education policies that work best for the children of New Mexico. By connecting policy, instructional practice and politics, we reimagine what is possible in New Mexico’s public education system.

Our Team

50CAN is, ultimately, about people. We are working to build an organization where talented advocates are able to do the best work of their lives in a culture that supports and sustains them.

Latest News

50CAN is, ultimately, about people. We are working to build an organization where talented advocates are able to do the best work of their lives in a culture that supports and sustains them.
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