February 24, 2026 9:00 am

Imagine Learning Foundation Announces 2026 Signature Grant Cycle to Expand Well-Being of Learners Beyond the Classroom

New funding priority will support nonprofit partners empowering K–12 youth as leaders and contributors in their communities.

Tempe, Arizona — February 24, 2026 — The Imagine Learning Foundation (ILF) today announced the launch of its 2026 Signature Grant Program, continuing its commitment to expanding meaningful opportunities to support the well-being of students and their support groups nationwide — at home and throughout the communities where they live and grow.

The 2026 grant cycle will prioritize nonprofit organizations that engage young people in authentic, age-appropriate service experiences rooted in their homes, neighborhoods, and community spaces. The focus reflects ILF’s continued evolution toward supporting programs that build connection, confidence, and purpose to support academic growth and achievement.

For the 2026 cycle, the Imagine Learning Foundation will prioritize nonprofit partners who intentionally design service opportunities where youth can lead, collaborate, reflect, and succeed.

ILF seeks programs that:

Activate a student’s full support ecosystem: families, caregivers, mentors, and community members
Integrate reflection and skill-building into service experiences
Center youth voice and leadership
Foster connection and a strong sense of purpose
Extend enriching learning environments beyond the classroom

Unlike traditional volunteer initiatives, ILF’s 2026 focus is on service as a meaningful learning pathway — not just participation, but ownership and growth.

“Young people want to make a difference,” said Chris Graham, Chairman and President of the Imagine Learning Foundation. “When we create space for them to lead and serve in their own communities, we’re supporting more than just academic learning — we’re helping them discover their strengths and their sense of purpose.”

By supporting community-rooted, youth-centered service, ILF seeks to help students grow in a manner that will expand into everyday life, empowering students to flourish beyond the classroom, which improves learning outcomes.

How to Apply

Eligible nonprofit organizations are invited to apply for the 2026 Imagine Learning Foundation Signature Grant Program, with applications due by April 9, 2026, at 11:59pm PST. Award decisions are expected to be announced in June 2026.

For eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and deadlines, visit www.imaginelearningfoundation.org.

About Imagine Learning Foundation

Imagine Learning Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the well-being of learners and those who support them at home and in their communities. Established in 2021, the foundation provides funding to mission-aligned national non-profit organizations that focus on enhancing the well-being of youth, families, and educators, with an emphasis on accelerating student achievement. Imagine Learning Foundation is the philanthropic initiative of Imagine Learning, a leading creator of K–12 digital-first solutions, working alongside teachers to support 18 million students in over half of the districts nationwide.

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February 23, 2026 8:00 am

Imagine Learning Partners with Modern Classrooms Project to Drive Stronger Math Outcomes Through Improved Implementation

New partnership supports districts in deepening instruction and accelerating student growth in math.

Tempe, Arizona — February 23, 2026 — Imagine Learning today announced a partnership with the Modern Classrooms Project (MCP) to help districts accelerate student achievement in math through stronger curriculum implementation. The partnership enhances support for Imagine IM, Imagine Learning’s K–12 problem-based math curriculum, by equipping teachers with clear systems for differentiation, pacing, and small-group instruction.

Districts nationwide are demonstrating that sustained curriculum implementation, paired with ongoing professional learning, leads to measurable growth in math achievement. Schools that maintain consistent lesson structures and invest in teacher support are seeing improved proficiency rates and stronger student problem-solving skills.

“When teachers have the right support, students make real gains,” said Krysia Lazarewicz, Vice President of Professional Learning & Customer Success at Imagine Learning. “This partnership strengthens the daily classroom systems that lead to stronger outcomes in math.”

Building Classrooms That Deliver Results

In schools where Imagine IM is implemented well, students tackle meaningful problems, work together, and explain their thinking. Teachers guide discussion and connect ideas — keeping learning centered on student reasoning.

Sustaining that level of instruction requires systems that help teachers manage diverse learning needs without losing momentum.

The Modern Classrooms Project provides those systems through:

Blended instruction that creates time for targeted small-group support
Flexible pacing so students move forward when they demonstrate understanding
Embedded mastery checks that generate clear, actionable next steps
Ready-to-use materials aligned to a high-quality curriculum
Year-long mentorship and coaching to ensure strong implementation

These supports work alongside Imagine IM and can integrate directly into Imagine Learning’s platform.

After using Modern Classrooms Project’s tools and resources, one educator shared, “The Modern Classroom program is a transformative approach that empowers teachers to create more flexible and student-centered learning environments. This training equips teachers with valuable tools and strategies to increase student engagement and success, and the ongoing mentorship ensures that teachers feel supported throughout the process. It’s a great investment in both teacher development and student achievement.”

Sustaining Growth

This partnership is designed for districts in year two and beyond that want to deepen differentiation, expand small-group instruction, and strengthen classroom consistency.

By combining Imagine IM with MCP’s support model, districts gain a clearer path from curriculum adoption to sustained student growth.

“Effective math instruction requires both strong materials and strong systems,” said Kareem Farah, Co-founder & CEO at Modern Classrooms Project. “We’re excited to support teachers using Imagine IM and help them meet the needs of every learner.”

About Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning creates K–12 learning solutions that support the boundless potential of students in more than half the districts nationwide. Empowered with data and insights from educators, we innovate to shape the future of education with a robust, digital-first portfolio of school services and core, courseware, and supplemental solutions.

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January 21, 2026 9:00 am

The AI Clock Is Ticking for K–12 Education

A new national initiative maps AI’s current and future impact on K–12—and gives leaders the tools to shape what comes next.

Tempe, Arizona — January 21, 2026 — Artificial intelligence is no longer a hypothetical for schools — it is already shaping how students learn, teachers teach, and employers hire. Today, a coalition of national K–12 education leaders, researchers, practitioners, and students announced the launch of Beyond the AI Inflection Point. The initiative explores three plausible futures for K–12 education and is designed to equip education leaders with the clarity and tools to shape a future that best serves students.

“I’ve seen too many schools respond to AI by swinging to extremes,” said Amanda Bickerstaff, co-founder and CEO of AI for Education. “Some try to ban it, while others rush to adopt GenAI tools without a plan. In both cases, students lose. This project exists because we still have the power to choose a more intentional path forward.”

AI will shape education whether leaders act or not. What remains undecided is whether that future is shaped by intention or by default.

The project emerged from a national convening in summer 2025, co-hosted by AI for Education and Imagine Learning, that brought together 20 experts and student voices to consider how AI is already impacting schools and disrupting learning. Inspired by the futurist AI 2027 project, the work moves beyond abstract debates to surface three plausible futures for K–12 education that are already taking shape:

A return to familiar fundamentals, where schools respond by restricting AI and doubling down on proven practices, often limiting students’ ability to engage meaningfully with new tools
An over-reliance on technology, where efficiency and automation outpace human judgment, learning, and agency
Intentional integration, where schools deliberately combine strong instruction with responsible, human-centered use of AI

“This work pushes us to ask a more fundamental question about AI in schools,” said Sari Factor, Chief Strategy Officer at Imagine Learning. “What is the purpose of learning in an AI-enabled world, and how do we build classrooms and systems that actually serve that purpose and prepare students for their AI-enabled futures? When technology is used intentionally, it can support teachers and students in deeper learning, stronger agency, and outcomes that matter long after graduation.”

Rather than offering prescriptions, the initiative provides a research-informed narrative and practical frameworks to help district and state leaders move from reactive policies to forward-looking strategies. The moment to choose is now.

Explore the Work

Education leaders can download the full report, along with practical toolkits and resources designed to help districts assess where they are today, understand which future they are on, and determine what it would take to move toward a more intentional path with AI.

Download the report and access tools:
beyondtheaiinflectionpoint.com

About Beyond the AI Inflection Point
Beyond the AI Inflection Point is a collaborative national initiative helping education leaders understand the futures AI could create for K–12 schools — and the choices that will determine which one becomes real, sustainable, and equitable. It brings research, narrative insight, and practical frameworks together to help schools lead with purpose in the age of artificial intelligence.

About Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning is a leading provider of K–12 learning solutions, supporting students and educators in more than half of U.S. school districts. We work alongside educators to apply data, research, and technology in service of student learning and long-term outcomes. Learn more at imaginelearning.com.

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About AI for Education

AI for Education leads the responsible adoption of generative AI in K–12 and higher education through comprehensive training, policy development, and practical implementation support. The organization has trained over 300,000 educators across 500+ institutions globally, including some of the largest school districts in the U.S. With the goal of providing AI literacy training to 1 million educators and students, their mission focuses on empowering teachers to confidently navigate AI technology while preparing students for the future. Learn more at aiforeducation.io.

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January 20, 2026 9:00 am

Imagine Learning Appoints Anjeneya Dubey as Chief Technology Officer to Accelerate Curriculum-Informed AI™ Vision

Cloud and AI leader joins to advance educator-trusted platforms that connect curriculum, insight, and impact.

Tempe, Arizona — January 20, 2026 — Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital-first K–12 solutions in the U.S., today announced the appointment of Anjeneya Dubey as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective immediately. Dubey joins Imagine Learning with more than two decades of global experience leading software engineering, AI innovation, and cloud platforms at scale — most recently as Global Head of Platform Engineering at Honeywell. He previously led engineering for digital education platforms used across K–12 and higher education.

In his new role, Dubey will lead Imagine Learning’s end-to-end technology strategy, with a focus on advancing its Curriculum-Informed AI roadmap — ensuring that instructional rigor, educator trust, and adaptive innovation remain central to every product experience.

“As we build the next era of learning technology, we are investing in leadership that understands both the complexity of enterprise-scale systems and the nuance of classroom impact,” said Leslie Curtis, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer of Imagine Learning. “Anj’s deep background in SaaS products, data and AI platforms, and developer productivity makes him the ideal leader to power our next wave of curriculum-aligned innovation.”

Dubey brings unmatched experience in building SaaS platforms and AI-powered delivery pipelines; overseeing global cloud infrastructure across AWS, Azure, and GCP; and leading teams of 400+ engineers across five regions. He holds multiple patents in hybrid and multi-cloud architectures and has designed platforms serving over 21 million users in education and industrial domains.

“I’m thrilled to join Imagine Learning at such a pivotal moment,” said Dubey. “This role is a chance to shape how AI can responsibly enhance instructional outcomes, deepen personalization, and support the educators who drive student success every day. Our goal is to bring meaningful technology to classrooms — not just automation, but intelligence that understands and elevates learning.”

The appointment follows a broader trend across the education industry of tapping executive talent from cloud-native and AI-forward organizations. Imagine Learning’s move signals its continued momentum as a market leader committed to instructional quality and platform intelligence.

Dubey will oversee Imagine Learning’s engineering, DevOps, AI/ML, and cloud teams. His first initiatives will include strengthening the company’s curricula data pipeline, accelerating time-to-insight for educators, and scaling product reliability for over 18 million students across the country.

About Imagine Learning

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January 15, 2026 9:00 am

Imagine Learning and Eedi Launch the First Curriculum-Embedded AI Assessments for U.S. Math Classrooms

Real-time instructional intelligence built into the lesson drives sharper decisions and stronger instruction — without added tests or tools.

January 15, 2026 — Tempe, AZ — Imagine Learning today announced a strategic partnership with Eedi Labs, the UK-based pioneer in AI-powered learning infrastructure. The collaboration brings real-time, curriculum-aligned assessments directly into daily math instruction, bridging the gap between data and action for teachers.

The new assessment system will launch in Imagine Learning’s core math curriculum, Imagine IM, for back to school 2026, giving teachers immediate insight into student thinking and the misconceptions that get in the way of grade-level learning. It’s designed to work inside instruction, not around it.

While benchmarks and standardized tests take time and lack adaptability, Eedi has been tailored to fit naturally into Imagine IM’s instruction, helping teachers respond with precision in as few as 10 questions.

“Too many platforms ask teachers to test in one place and teach in another,” said Kinsey Rawe, Chief Product Officer at Imagine Learning. “With Eedi, we’ve built a breakthrough that closes that gap. These assessments live inside instruction, where they can actually drive impact.” Eedi’s engine draws on over a decade of student learning data and advanced machine learning to quickly identify where students need support in math. Combined with Imagine Learning’s own generative AI capabilities, the system turns data into direction — giving teachers what they need to teach smarter and respond faster.

“This partnership shows what’s possible when you pair research expertise with innovation in the service of better teaching and learning,” said Ben Caulfield, CEO of Eedi. “It’s a major step toward our vision of reaching a billion learners with personalized, evidence-based learning.”

Rewriting the Rules of Classroom Assessment

Imagine Learning is integrating Eedi’s proven diagnostic engine directly into core curriculum to combine high-quality instructional content with real-time insight into misconceptions. Teachers can immediately adjust pacing, grouping, and support in response to the needs of the students in their classrooms.

This work marks a step toward bridging core and supplemental instruction, giving districts a more connected view of student learning and growth. And with Imagine Learning’s portfolio of award-winning solutions in ELA and science, this partnership sets the stage to turn an innovation in mathematics into a model for extending real-time assessment across subjects.

To connect with an Imagine Learning partner and learn more, visit imaginelearning.com.

About Imagine Learning

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About Eedi

Eedi is a UK-based applied research organization that develops, tests, and deploys innovations to power next generation learning experiences. The Eedi diagnostic engine is built on a decade of classroom data and powers precise, formative assessments that deliver true personalization at scale. Eedi is the only education-focused AI infrastructure validated by gold-standard science and billions of data points.

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January 8, 2026 9:00 am

StudySync 2027 Edition Launches as Part of Imagine Learning’s Full ELA Suite

Leading 6–12 ELA program now part of Imagine Learning’s full K–12 core curriculum lineup

Tempe, Arizona — January 8, 2026 — Imagine Learning today announced that StudySync_^®, the award-winning English language arts (ELA) program for grades 6–12, is now officially part of its core curriculum portfolio. Alongside the launch of a newly refreshed 2027 edition, this move marks a major milestone in Imagine Learning’s expansion into a full K–12 core ELA suite.

Trusted by thousands of schools for its blend of academic rigor and real-world relevance, StudySync now enters its next chapter with strengthened alignment to the science of reading, a refreshed user experience, and enhanced tools for knowledge building and writing instruction.

“StudySync has always been about helping students connect deeply with literature and ideas through engaging, multimedia-rich instruction,” said Robert Romano, founder of StudySync. “Joining Imagine Learning — and launching this 2027 edition — takes that vision even further. We’re proud to offer classrooms a solution that meets research-based standards while remaining deeply engaging for today’s learners.”

With this launch, Imagine Learning now offers a fully integrated ELA pathway from kindergarten through high school. Educators seeking comprehensive, standards-aligned solutions can now pair StudySync (6–12) with Dragonfly (K–5) — a powerful combination designed by the same team of instructional experts and backed by Imagine Learning’s broader assessment and support ecosystem.

The 2027 edition of StudySync features:

A restructured middle school sequence built around deeper knowledge-building themes
Stronger fluency, vocabulary, and sentence composition scaffolds grounded in the science of reading
A streamlined Teacher Edition with improved usability and pacing tools
Updated WritePrecise feedback tools and a refreshed design for both print and digital formats

“StudySync and Dragonfly reflect our commitment to building high-quality curriculum that meets the needs of real classrooms,” said Kinsey Rawe, Executive Vice President & Chief Product Officer at Imagine Learning. “With the launch of StudySync’s new edition, we’re strengthening our ability to support educators with cohesive, research-grounded tools across every stage of literacy instruction.”

The StudySync 2027 edition is now available for review, demo, and purchase. Visit imaginelearning.com/studysync to explore the program and plan for upcoming adoptions.

About Imagine Learning

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January 6, 2026 8:00 am

Imagine Learning Announces Imagine IM Maryland to Support Maryland’s Revised Mathematics Standards

Targeted rollout to deliver MCCRS-aligned, IM-certified® curriculum starting back-to-school 2026.

Tempe, Arizona — January 6, 2026 — Imagine Learning, a leading provider of core curriculum solutions in the U.S., today announced its targeted development and rollout of a Maryland-specific version of its Imagine IM core math curriculum. Aligned to the state’s Revised Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS) and powered by Illustrative Mathematics^®, Imagine IM Maryland will support Maryland districts as they prepare to implement the new standards over the next 3 years.

MCCRS-aligned K–8 content will be available for back-to-school 2026, with Integrated Algebra 1 and Integrated Algebra 2 following, in accordance with the state’s rollout schedule.

“Imagine Learning is honored to have supported Maryland educators for many years – including key partners such as Montgomery, Dorchester, and Cecil counties — and we remain fully committed to supporting them throughout this transition,” said Kinsey Rawe, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer at Imagine Learning. “Together with Maryland educators and Illustrative Mathematics, we’re shaping a strong path forward — anchored in a curriculum teachers know and trust, and supported by a dedicated team of professional learning experts.

Imagine IM Maryland maintains the core tenets of Illustrative Mathematics’ research-backed, problem-based approach while incorporating practical enhancements based on years of classroom insight. The solution will be delivered to fit local preferences and will include Imagine Learning’s professional learning pathways to support strong implementation from day one.

“Maryland’s revised standards call for coherent, engaging mathematics instruction,” said Kristin Umland, CEO and cofounder of Illustrative Mathematics. “Imagine IM Maryland is designed to support teachers with high-quality, problem-based materials aligned to MCCRS, helping them focus on what matters most: supporting students as mathematical thinkers and doers.”

“This curriculum has helped us build a shared language around problem-solving — across grade levels, buildings, and student groups. It’s not just about what’s in the materials, but how it brings our teachers together around what great math instruction looks like,” said Dr. Jessie Kubek, Instructional Coordinator for Professional Development, Elementary Mathematics, at Cecil County Public Schools.

Imagine Learning currently supports more than half the districts in the U.S., serving over 18 million students. Its partnership with Illustrative Mathematics spans multiple national and state-specific implementations of IM^® v.360 — including New York City, where grades 3–8 math proficiency rose by 3.5 points in one year; Los Angeles, where schools with strong Imagine IM implementations moved 8 points closer to standard on the Smarter Balanced Assessment; and Philadelphia, where third-grade math scores jumped 13 percentage points on the PSSA. In Maryland, Imagine Learning is already working with nearly 250 schools — providing local insight and a strong foundation for what’s next.

Districts interested in learning more or previewing draft alignment materials can contact Imagine Learning at imaginelearning.com/contact.

About Illustrative Mathematics

Illustrative Mathematics (IM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics. IM provides high-quality instructional materials, professional learning, and a community to support all students’ mathematical growth. Learn more at IllustrativeMathematics.org.

About Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning is the largest provider of digital-first PreK–12 solutions in the United States, serving more than 18 million students in more than half the districts nationwide. Through its core, supplemental, assessment, and professional services offerings, Imagine Learning delivers flexible, data-informed instruction that meets each student’s unique learning path.

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November 10, 2025 8:00 am

California Department of Education Approves Imagine IM California for 2025 Math Curriculum Adoption

Certified math program meets California’s call for equity, real-world relevance, and multilingual access.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Nov 10, 2025 — Imagine Learning today announced that Imagine IM California, a K–12 curriculum certified by Illustrative Mathematics, has been officially adopted by the California State Board of Education as part of the 2025 statewide math adoption.

This milestone positions Imagine IM California as one of the state-approved High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) aligned to California’s 2023 Mathematics Framework, designed to promote deeper understanding, multilingual access, and culturally responsive instruction.

“This adoption affirms our deep commitment to supporting California educators with high-quality curriculum that empowers all learners,” said Kinsey Rawe, EVP and Chief Product Officer at Imagine Learning. “Imagine IM California isn’t just aligned to the framework — it’s built around it.”

Imagine IM California is a premium certified IM curriculum tailored specifically for California’s instructional vision. Enhancements unique to Imagine IM California include seamless digital and print experiences, enhanced multimedia for student engagement (student videos, digital centers, virtual manipulatives, and digital interactives), and tailored professional learning.

Imagine IM California delivers fully integrated ELD scaffolds, multilingual student supports, problem-based routines, and real-world applications in both English and Spanish — covering topics from environmental sustainability to financial literacy.

“Every component is built to reflect the needs of California’s diverse classrooms and designed to delight and inspire every student. When students make that personal connection to the real world — that’s when the math really clicks. With Imagine IM California, we’re supporting teachers to lead problem-based, inclusive math instruction at scale. This adoption gives districts a true framework-aligned option they can trust,” added Rawe.

Built in collaboration with instructional leaders and classroom educators, Imagine IM California strengthens student discourse, visual reasoning, and grade-to-grade coherence — all while easing the lift for teachers through embedded routines and instructional clarity.

“We’re thrilled to receive the official adoption by the state of California,” said Dr. Kristin Umland, CEO and cofounder of Illustrative Mathematics. “This sends a powerful message about what’s needed to support all students in developing both a conceptual understanding and procedural fluency of math. We look forward to continuing to work alongside school districts and educators throughout the state.”

Imagine Learning is launching statewide implementation support to ensure a successful launch. This includes a guided pilot experience, customized professional learning series, and a new digital platform for California educators and students.

For more information or to schedule a pilot, visit: imaginelearning.com/imagine-im-california.

About Imagine Learning

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October 23, 2025 8:00 am

Imagine Learning Launches Heart Work, a New Podcast and Multimedia Series Elevating the Voices of America’s Educators

First collection, “Rewriting a Literacy Crisis,” follows educators through the challenges and triumphs of reshaping how America learns to read.

TEMPE, AZ – October 23, 2025 – Imagine Learning, a leader in K–12 digital-first learning solutions, today announced the launch of Heart Work, a new podcast and multimedia initiative that presents an honest profile of America’s educators, capturing the raw stories unfolding in today’s classrooms. Heart Work presents candid, deeply human insights from teachers, administrators, and leaders navigating change in education.

Heart Work is built around collections, each one exploring a transformation taking place in our classrooms. Debuting today, the first Heart Work collection, “Rewriting a Literacy Crisis,” explores one of the most urgent challenges facing U.S. schools: helping every student become a confident reader. Through the experiences of Pendergast Elementary School District in Phoenix, Arizona, and educators from the School District of Philadelphia, the series shows states and schools embracing the Science of Reading and exploring new frameworks to improve literacy outcomes. Each episode combines documentary storytelling with practical insights, presenting an unfiltered view of the reality of change and the courage it takes to embrace it.

Heart Work’s multi-platform experience includes:

Immersive podcast episodes interweaving conversations with educators, real classroom moments, and first-person reflections
Short, documentary-style videos that bring viewers inside real classrooms, capturing the emotion, creativity, and quiet determination of educators as they navigate change and inspire learning
A library of articles and resources providing deeper context
Live events connecting educators nationwide
Social media conversation-starters and community-builders

“With Heart Work, Imagine Learning is expanding its role as a champion for educators and lifelong learners, creating a space where authentic storytelling meets actionable ideas,” said Leslie Curtis, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Imagine Learning. “The platform highlights not just the challenges of today’s classrooms, but also the creativity, compassion, and resilience needed to successfully address those challenges.”

Future collections will explore topics including math anxiety and the path to numeracy confidence, the ethical use of AI in classrooms, and the ever-evolving art of teaching in the digital age. Educators, administrators, and advocates can also join the Heart Work Club for exclusive access to new episodes, articles, and events.

Heart Work is now available on all major podcast platforms. To listen to the first collection, join the community, or to learn more, visit imaginelearning.com/heart-work.

About Imagine Learning

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October 2, 2025 8:00 am

Imagine Learning Foundation Announces 2025 Signature Grantees, Reaffirming $5 Million Commitment to Student Success

Seven nonprofits awarded $605,000 to address chronic absenteeism and student homelessness, as well as support students impacted by the California wildfires.

Tempe, Arizona — October 2, 2025 — The Imagine Learning Foundation (ILF), the philanthropic initiative of Imagine Learning, a leader in K–12 digital-first solutions designed for the future of learning, today announced its 2025 Signature Grant recipients. Seven organizations will receive a total of $605,000 to support critical initiatives addressing chronic absenteeism, student homelessness, and emergency relief for students and families affected by the California wildfires.

Since its launch in 2021, ILF has now awarded over $1.86 million through 40 grants as part of its initial $5 million funding commitment. Past recipient organizations have positively impacted more than 413,000 students and youth in 1,700 communities across the U.S., addressing issues from homelessness to mental health support.

The 2025 grant cycle continues ILF’s strategic focus on chronic absenteeism and student homelessness while expanding support to address the urgent needs of students and communities impacted by the devastating California wildfires. Nearly 28% of all students were chronically absent during the 2022–2023 school year; of those, 36% are economically disadvantaged and 48% are homeless, which creates significant barriers to academic success. Furthermore, almost 1.4 million public school students experienced homelessness, a 14% increase from the 2021–2022 school year, with many states reporting higher rates of student homelessness for the 2023–2024 school year.

“By investing in student well-being beyond academics, we can support individual children in need and strengthen entire communities,” said Jonathan Grayer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Learning. “Through the Imagine Learning Foundation and our partnership with this year’s 2025 Signature Grant recipients, we’re addressing the barriers that prevent children from thriving as learners and as people — whether that’s chronic absenteeism, homelessness, or the devastating impact of natural disasters like the California wildfires. Every student deserves the stability necessary to thrive, and that’s exactly what these partnerships help us deliver.”

2025 Signature Grant Recipients

The 2025 grant awards represent a mix of continuing partnerships with proven organizations and new initiatives addressing emergency needs for over 300,000 youth. Four recipients are first-time grant recipients, and three organizations — Catie’s Closet, Erika’s Lighthouse, and SchoolHouse Connection + Attendance Works — are returning recipients that have made a significant impact with the foundation’s previous funding.

BackPack Brigade ($100k) will provide weekend hunger bags for at-risk children across five Washington school districts and 102 schools, serving over 5,000 students each week. The program offers eight different culturally appropriate menus adapted to meet the needs of individual students and will continue their demonstrated success in increasing student attendance, particularly on Mondays and Fridays.

Catie’s Closet ($100k) will support over 9,000 youth across Massachusetts and New Hampshire by expanding its Special Order System (SOS) program to address youth in direct need, including homelessness, foster care, fire victims, and abuse survivors. Youth receive emergency needs such as clothing and toiletries necessary to overcome chronic absenteeism, successfully stay in school, and increase their confidence to thrive in life.

City Year Los Angeles ($50k) will use its funding to support over 11,000 students in grades 3–9 through their Whole School Whole Child Program, which provides stability, academic support, and emotional care and individualized interventions for over 1,600 youth. The organization ensures students, families, and schools have resources and resilience to navigate the wildfire crisis.

Erika’s Lighthouse ($75k) will receive additional funding to nationally expand its Four Pillars model to over 1 million students in grades 4–12 by focusing on mental health support through classroom education, empowerment clubs, family engagement, and comprehensive staff training. Additional support will be directed towards Los Angeles students who have experienced mental health challenges and trauma from the LA wildfires.

Operation Warm ($100k) will provide new coats and shoes to over 2,000 Los Angeles children affected by the California wildfires, targeting vulnerable, displaced, and under-housed families to foster increased self-esteem, outdoor play, and school attendance.

SchoolHouse Connection + Attendance Works ($100k) will build on the accomplishments of its 2024 grant, implementing six key strategies to increase attendance for chronically absent students and students experiencing homelessness through customizable toolkits, national webinars, and strategy briefs for over 1,000 district administrators and state-level actors. As part of their project, they will collaborate with state and local education agencies, the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) to broaden the implementation of these strategies and improve attendance.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace ($80k) will hand-build and deliver high-quality wooden beds, mattresses, and bedding to bedless children, with a portion of the ILF grant focused on children affected by the LA wildfires. The organization aims to construct and deliver 5,100 beds to children in need through various chapters across the country, including Alabama, Arizona, California, and Texas.

“Our 2025 ILF Signature Grant recipients are working tirelessly to address the challenges our students face outside the classroom with creativity and compassion,” said Chris Graham, Chairman and President of the Imagine Learning Foundation. “These organizations restore hope and build confidence in every child they serve. When a student has a warm coat, a safe place to sleep, and knows they won’t be hungry over the weekend, they can focus on what matters most: learning and growing to their full potential.”

About Imagine Learning Foundation

Imagine Learning Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the well-being of learners and those who support them at home and in their communities. Established in 2021, the foundation provides funding to mission-aligned national non-profit organizations that focus on enhancing the well-being of youth, families, and educators, with an emphasis on accelerating student achievement. Imagine Learning Foundation is the philanthropic initiative of Imagine Learning, a leading creator of K–12 digital-first solutions, working alongside teachers to support 18 million students in over half of the districts nationwide.

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About Imagine Learning

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