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 Education Funders Affinity Group for a conversation about the Comprehensive Implementation Plan for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. We will explore questions around the implications of the plan for Maryland schools and ways the philanthropic community can be supportive. Members will hear from Rachel Hise, executive director of the Blueprint Accountability Implementation Board, who has extensive knowledge around plans related to the 5 pillars that undergird the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Additional AIB members who will join Rachel on the panel are Isiah “Ike” Leggett (chair) and Dr. Brit Kirwan (co-chair)

Join Maryland Philanthropy Network for our quarterly peer-to-peer exchange for education funders! Funders will come together in October to discuss funding strategies you are using, thinking through, or exploring, and steps you are taking to evaluate your portfolio.

Maryland Philanthropy Network is pleased to host Dr. Sonja Santelises, Chief Executive Officer of the Baltimore City Public School System, for our annual conversation with the Education Funders Affinity Group. Dr. Santelises will discuss the plan for the upcoming school year and highlight how philanthropy can best support the District. Members are encouraged to share questions prior to the session to maximize time with Dr. Santelises.

Join Maryland Philanthropy Network's Education Funders Affinity Group to hear from leaders of Baltimore City Public Schools about strategies and emerging models they are engaging to improve older youth literacy. They will be joined by Theme Reads, a program at the Success for All Foundation in partnership with Johns Hopkins University, who will share information about their model for working with older students, what’s unique about working with high school students, how their work differs from traditional models, their work with Baltimore City Schools, and program outcomes. This session begins a series of upcoming conversations for the fall focusing on high school age youth.