Early Childhood and K-12 Education
The students of today are the employees of tomorrow, and they need the skills to thrive in the 21st century global economy and beyond. Our education initiatives unite business, policy, and community leaders and stakeholders to develop solutions in early childhood and K-12 education.
Our early childhood education initiatives address a two-generation workforce challenge: supporting today's workforce and preparing tomorrow's workforce.
The K-12 education system of today leaves too many students underprepared for the careers ahead of them. We’re dedicated to closing achievement gaps, promoting standards-driven approaches, and connecting all students to a successful future.
At the U.S. Chamber Foundation, we are committed to advancing solutions that ensure every child has access to quality early education. Investing in early childhood education is essential for building a skilled and competitive workforce, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth.— Aaron Merchen, Senior Director, Early Childhood Education
Programs and Initiatives
Continuing the Conversation
Childcare remains a major issue across the United States, impacting parents, employers and local communities. The “Continuing the Conversation” series brings together leaders working to address these challenges and chart a positive way forward for childcare in America.
Watch the Interviews
Watch the Videos
The U.S. Chamber Foundation has developed Childcare Roadmap Videos to provide a visual representation of the Employer Roadmap: Childcare Solutions for Working Parents. This roadmap is for senior leaders to understand what options are available to address childcare needs for working parents, primarily those working shifts during non-traditional hours.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation released new research that examines the impact of data-driven accountability education policy over the last 20 years and sets the stage for concrete recommendations for the federal role in education.
Latest Content
Introducing Commerce Meets Classroom, a new series from our K-12 education experts, Kyle Butler and Caitlin Codella Low, featuring the business perspective on pressing education issues.
Columbus Area Chamber president and Business Leads Fellow, Dawson Brunswick, navigates tomorrow's workforce woes today, weaving education, childcare, and community engagement into a brighter future.
Dive deeper with Joseph Davis and Sydney Lewis as they debunk the most common childcare myths, inviting you to explore the hidden truths that every American family should know.
Sasha Nicholas, associate manager of early childhood education, reflects on key takeaways from the panel, "Piecing Together Childcare Solutions," an engaging conversation held at the 14th Annual International Women's Day Forum.
Barbi Jones is moving North Carolina forward in her role as executive director of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, and as a Business Leads Fellow.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” might be a question asked of children, whose dreams and aspirations can feel far-fetched and far-reaching in ways that inspire and humor us. But as those children grow into young adults, navigating the pressures, stressors, and opportunities that come with making decisions about the future, we believe career readiness can do more to support young people as they decide what they’ll grow up to be—and give them the resources and tools to do it.
How can the U.S. be competitive without math? This is the question that America’s business leaders need to be asking themselves as we receive yet another concerning indicator that our nation’s public education system is moving in the wrong direction.
Zeb Welborn and Renay Sehgal Mehta, through their roles at the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce and as Business Leads Fellows, are tackling workforce shortages facing businesses and communities.
Dr. Timothy Magner, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, uplifts communities through connecting business and education, and championing collaboration as a Business Leads Fellow.
