A new demographic analysis of 2021-22 school year chronic absence data from the U.S. Department of Education reveals that the pandemic-induced dramatic increase in chronic absence affects students from all backgrounds and localities and is widening inequities. Join Hedy Nai-Lin Chang, Founder and Executive Director of Attendance Works, Larry C. Simmons, Senior Fellow with Attendance Works, and Dr. David Heiber, Founder and Executive Director of Concentric Educational Solutions, to learn about current interventions and innovations, what working, and necessary systemic changes to shift the current high tide of absenteeism. Moreover, participants will learn the role of funders in advancing strategies and recommendations throughout Maryland.

Join Maryland Philanthropy Network’s Health Funders Affinity Group and presenters Shannon Hall, J.D., Executive Director of the Community Behavioral Health Association (CBH), and Brett Beckerson, MSW, Senior Director, Public Policy and Advocacy National Council of Mental Wellbeing, to share their efforts to bring high-quality, integrated mental health and substance use care to Maryland residents through Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC). Learn about the complexities of an organization becoming a CCBHC and how philanthropy can assist them in the process.

As the number of organizations in funder portfolios who are undergoing a leadership transition grows, many common practices of funders, including a “Wait and see” approach, are failing organizations just when they need extra support. Join this values-driven and action-oriented session with Leading Forward to learn from social sector professionals who are leaning into trust - and leaning into the change - with new strategies to support leaders who are leaving, leaders who are entering, and the board and staff who manage the change from old to new.