March 11, 2025 9:00 am

Imagine Learning Foundation Announces 2025 Funding Cycle for Signature Grant Program

$600,000 to be awarded to initiatives that place a continued emphasis on chronic absenteeism and the student homelessness crisis; a portion of funding to be dedicated to students impacted by California wildfires

Tempe, Arizona — March 11, 2025 — Imagine Learning Foundation (ILF), the philanthropic initiative created by Imagine Learning, a leader in K–12 digital-first solutions used by 18 million students in over half of the school districts nationwide, has announced the opening of the 2025 funding cycle for its Imagine Signature Grant program. Now in its fourth year, ILF will award approximately $600,000 in Imagine Signature Grants to organizations dedicated to ILF’s mission of supporting learners outside the classroom.

Since its launch in 2021, ILF has awarded over $1.2 million through 30 grants as part of its initial $5 million funding commitment. The 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 suicide prevention and mental health.

As part of the Imagine Signature Grant Program 2024 grant cycle, ILF initiated a funding priority to support national and regional organizations addressing or studying critical issues related to chronic absenteeism in K–12 learning environments. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more days of school per year, has severe consequences for learning, physical and mental health, stability, and future outcomes throughout a student’s life, particularly for children experiencing homelessness. During the 2022–2023 school year, over 27% of students nationwide were chronically absent, exacerbating a learning crisis, particularly in math and reading performance.

For its 2025 grantmaking cycle, ILF will continue this funding priority, especially in areas such as basic needs support; wraparound services for students, their families, and communities; and research to address chronic absenteeism and other aligned areas. ILF will also provide support to organizations addressing student housing insecurity, often a direct contributor to chronic absenteeism. More than 1.3 million students in the U.S. are currently experiencing homelessness, putting them at greater academic and graduation risks.

ILF is also dedicating a portion of its funding to projects and initiatives that directly support students and communities impacted by the California wildfires. Natural disasters often disrupt students’ education, stability, and overall well-being, exacerbating challenges for already vulnerable students. By expanding its 2025 funding priorities, ILF aims to provide critical support to those experiencing hardship due to these crises.

“We are proud to continue the commitment to funding programs that address chronic absenteeism and student homelessness,” said Jonathan Grayer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Learning. “This year, we recognize the additional struggles faced by those affected by the devastating California wildfires and will dedicate funding to support students who have been displaced or whose education has been severely disrupted. Our goal remains the same — to support innovative solutions that create safe, stable, and nurturing environments for students to thrive beyond the classroom. My heart goes out to the communities living through this tragedy, and I have earmarked my personal contributions to ILF this year to support student well-being in areas that have been affected by the wildfires.”

“Through the generosity of Imagine Learning, the Imagine Learning Foundation has been able to support many great projects throughout the country,” said Chris Graham, Chairman and President of the Imagine Learning Foundation. “We look forward to continuing to support student well-being outside of the classroom in this upcoming grant cycle.”

Previous Imagine Signature Grant recipients include Up2Us Sports, Erika’s Lighthouse, WPSU (Penn State University Philanthropic Fund), Our Minds Matter, Genesys Works, Big Sky Youth Empowerment, Catie’s Closet, Giving the Basics, UpSpring, Our House, and SchoolHouse Connection/Attendance Works. Learn more about ILF’s grant recipients and its grant programs here.

The 2025 Imagine Signature Grant program is open for applications through April 9, 2025, with award winners notified in July 2025. The 2025 grant cycle timing is as follows:

Application Release – February 24, 2025
Application Deadline – April 9, 2025 (by 11:59 PM PT)
Award Notifications – June 2025
Grant Awards – July 2025

Aside from the Imagine Signature Grant Program, ILF administers its Grassroots Grant Program throughout each fiscal year, awarding smaller grants to organizations nominated by Imagine Learning employees. These grants support initiatives focused on student well-being outside the classroom such as kindness campaigns, anti-bullying efforts, child bedlessness, and before/after-school programs that enhance self-confidence, attendance, resilience, and academic performance.

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.

March 4, 2025 9:00 am

New Imagine Learning and Battelle for Kids Research Showcases Portrait of a Graduate Implementation and Success

A new white paper helps schools make future-ready learning real for students and educators.

Tempe, Arizona – March 4, 2025 – Districts and schools across the country are embracing the Portrait of a Graduate framework to redefine student success in the classroom and beyond. But turning that vision into daily classroom practice remains a challenge. Imagine Learning, the leading provider of digital-first PreK–12 solutions, and Battelle for Kids, a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming education, today released a new white paper to help schools move from aspiration to action.

Portrait of a Graduate, Deeper Learning, and High-Quality Instructional Materials: Bridging Vision and Practice is the latest research collaboration between the two organizations. They first partnered in 2024 to bridge the gap between educational vision and classroom implementation. Battelle for Kids’ leadership in developing and supporting state and district Portrait of a Graduate frameworks joins Imagine Learning’s expertise in delivering high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and other research-backed curricula. Together, they offer schools a clear, actionable path to future-ready teaching and learning.

The white paper highlights how pairing deeper learning strategies with research-backed, HQIM helps schools create engaging, skill-driven classrooms.

“Educators need more than a vision — they need practical solutions that make that vision real,” said Sari Factor, Vice Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer for Imagine Learning. “Our high-quality instructional materials integrate deep learning strategies to help teachers build meaningful learning environments where students thrive.”

Why This Work Matters Now

The skills students need to succeed in the workforce are changing rapidly. As artificial intelligence and automation reshape industries, skills like analytical thinking, adaptability, and digital literacy have become essential for the future workforce (World Economic Forum, 2023). Yet, many schools struggle to align learning experiences with these evolving demands.

A strong Portrait of a Graduate framework defines the durable skills students need for success, but many districts lack the tools to integrate those competencies into daily learning.

“The Portrait of a Graduate isn’t just an aspirational framework—it’s a catalyst to spark transformation,” said Mike Duncan, President & CEO of Battelle for Kids. “But that change only happens when schools embed deeper learning into daily instruction.”

Key Strategies for Schools

The white paper provides actionable strategies for schools and districts, including:

Integrating future-ready skills into instruction: practical ways to align Portrait of a Graduate competencies with daily classroom learning.
The role of high-quality curriculum: how HQIM drives deeper learning, engagement, and skill development.
Lessons from district success stories: illustrations showing how schools are making future-ready learning a reality.

Future-ready learning is a shift in how schools prepare students for what’s next. With the right tools, districts can move beyond theory and create classrooms where deeper learning happens every day.

Read the full white paper here.

About Imagine Learning

Every classroom, every student is bursting with potential. That’s why we pursue relentless innovation at the intersection of technology, people, and curricula. Imagine Learning creates K–12 digital-first solutions, working alongside teachers to support 18 million students in over half of the districts nationwide. Our core portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education, Traverse, and Twig^® Science. Our robust supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with personalized instruction for English and Spanish literacy, math, coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity^® and Imagine EdgeEX^® offer innovative courseware solutions, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: imaginelearning.com.

About Battelle for Kids

Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization helping to empower educators so that every student has hope, resilience, and the knowledge and skills to be future-ready. BFK has helped hundreds of school districts and state agencies design, launch, and bring their shared community visions — the Portrait of a Graduate — to life, impacting the learning experiences of millions of students nationwide. For more information, visit bfk.org.

March 3, 2025 9:00 am

Mississippi Department of Education Approves Imagine Learning’s Imagine IM for K–8 Math and Traverse for 6–12 Social Studies

Imagine Learning’s approval by the Mississippi Department of Education provides K–12 educators with innovative math and social studies resources.

Tempe, Arizona — February 25, 2025 — Imagine Learning, a leader in digital-first educational solutions, today announced that the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has approved Imagine IM for K–8 Mathematics and Traverse for 6–12 Social Studies for inclusion on its state-adopted high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) list. These programs align with Mississippi’s College- and Career-Readiness Standards, enhancing instruction with inquiry-based, digital-first learning experiences that engage students and support educators.

Traverse and Imagine IM, the certified Illustrative Mathematics v. 360 curriculum optimized for engagement, accessibility and usability, provide Mississippi educators with comprehensive, customizable solutions for math and social studies that support flexible implementation models. These programs equip teachers with the tools they need to foster meaningful student discourse, critical thinking, and real-world application of knowledge. By combining evidence-based practices with dynamic digital resources, Imagine IM and Traverse empower students to thrive academically and prepare for success beyond the classroom.

“Imagine IM and Traverse give Mississippi educators the resources to engage students, strengthen instruction, and build critical thinking skills,” said Kinsey Rawe, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer at Imagine Learning. “We’re proud to support teachers with high-quality materials that drive meaningful learning and lasting achievement.”

Mississippi’s K–12 students made gains in their learning in 2024. Fourth graders ranked number one in score improvements in reading and math according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released in January, while eighth-grade scores held steady. The state also saw record levels of students at both grade levels ranking as proficient or advanced in both subjects.

Imagine IM: A Comprehensive Approach to K–12 Mathematics

Imagine IM delivers a discourse-driven curriculum that builds deep mathematical understanding through student exploration and problem-solving. As a certified Illustrative Mathematics partner, Imagine IM is the new version of the IM v. 360 curriculum that has been optimized for usability, accessibility, and engagement. By combining digital and print components, this K–8 program adapts to diverse classroom needs and supports learners at all levels. Key features:

Problem-based instruction: encourages student-led exploration and critical thinking
Enhanced media content: includes Inspire Math videos and Family Support resources to strengthen learning beyond the classroom
Flexible course pathways: accelerated middle school courses and both traditional and integrated high school mathematics options
Embedded digital manipulatives: interactive tools that enhance conceptual understanding and ease teacher implementation

Traverse: A Digital-First, Inquiry-Driven Social Studies Curriculum

Traverse transforms social studies education with inquiry-based learning, active collaboration, and critical analysis of diverse perspectives. The innovative, digital-first social studies core curriculum solution is designed to help students become informed citizens and equips educators with a robust platform to build civic literacy and historical thinking skills. Key features:

Comprehensive source library: includes more than 1,500 written, oral, and visual sources to provide a rich, multidimensional understanding of history
Interactive digital tools: support peer collaboration and active engagement with content
Skill development focus: equip students with analytical, research, and communication skills essential for academic and civic success

Traverse features lessons developed specifically for Mississippi educators and students, helping connect everyday life to the expansive world learners will explore. In “World History: Emergence of the Modern World to the Present,” students will learn about local scientists while investigating the Scientific Reformation; in “World History: Beginnings to the Reformation,” they will compare the architecture of Ole Miss to the style of the Ancient Greeks.

For more information, visit the Imagine IM Mississippi page here and the Traverse Mississippi page here.

About Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning provides digital-first solutions that support educators and empower students across K–12 education. Serving over 18 million students in more than half of U.S. school districts, Imagine Learning’s comprehensive portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education, Traverse, and Twig^® Science, along with supplemental and intervention programs for literacy, math, and coding. Imagine Edgenuity^® and Imagine EdgeEX^® offer cutting-edge courseware solutions, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more at imaginelearning.com.

December 2, 2024 10:00 am

Imagine Learning Acquires Pango Education to Advance AI-Powered Personalized K–12 Solutions

Strategic Acquisition Accelerates Imagine Learning’s Efforts to Create Impactful, Curriculum-Informed AI™ for Schools

Tempe, Arizona — December 2, 2024 — Imagine Learning, the nation’s largest provider of digital-first curriculum solutions, today announced the acquisition of Pango Education, a UK-based generative AI platform tailored for educational purposes. This strategic move enhances Imagine Learning’s capacity to deliver innovative, AI-driven solutions that empower educators and create impactful learning experiences.

Imagine Learning’s acquisition of Pango Education accelerates the development of its proprietary Curriculum-Informed AI™ tools, designed to address the growing need for personalized, standards-aligned educational solutions. With Pango’s innovative technology, Imagine Learning will enhance its ability to support educators in creating custom lesson plans and assessments, streamlining workflows, and responding quickly to evolving curriculum standards nationwide. This integration ensures that Imagine Learning’s solutions not only save teachers time but also deliver more engaging and effective learning experiences for students, meeting the diverse needs of today’s classrooms.

Elevating Education with Curriculum-Informed AI™

Imagine Learning’s Curriculum-Informed AI™ represents a new paradigm in education technology, providing a safe, reliable, and curriculum-aligned foundation for AI-powered tools. Unlike solutions trained on broad internet data or static textbooks, Imagine Learning’s AI operates within its research-based curriculum to ensure every interaction meets the highest educational standards.

“We are excited to integrate Pango Education’s innovative AI technology into Imagine Learning’s robust curriculum portfolio, setting the stage for transformative advancements in personalized learning,” said Jonathan Grayer, Chairman and CEO of Imagine Learning. “This acquisition amplifies our ability to customize lesson plans, adapt to evolving state standards, and create seamless, impactful learning experiences for the 18 million K–12 students we serve.”

Pango was founded in London, England, in 2018 by former math educator Adam Still and software engineer Richard Still. Their platform was developed to help teachers save time by streamlining access to diverse educational resources. By bringing Pango’s technology into its portfolio, Imagine Learning will expand its ability to offer educators practical, customized tools that address classroom needs more efficiently and effectively.

“Integrating Pango’s AI capabilities allows us to provide teachers with more control and flexibility in creating lesson plans and assessments,” said Jason Fournier, VP of Product Management, AI Initiatives at Imagine Learning. “This alignment with our rigorous content standards ensures that educators can meet the unique needs of their students while adapting quickly to curriculum and standards changes. The result is a set of tools that keeps pace with the demands of today’s classrooms.”

Imagine Learning reinforces its commitment to empowering educators with tools that address real-world challenges in the classroom by integrating Pango’s technology. Combining curriculum-aligned innovation with practical solutions advances Imagine Learning’s mission to support teachers and enhance student learning outcomes. This acquisition marks another step forward as Imagine Learning provide resources to meet the evolving demands of K–12 education.

About Imagine Learning

Every classroom, every student is bursting with potential. That’s why we pursue relentless innovation at the intersection of technology, people, and curricula. Imagine Learning creates K–12 digital-first solutions, working alongside teachers to support 18 million students in over half of the districts nationwide. Our core portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education, Twig^® Science, and Traverse. Our robust supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with personalized instruction for English and Spanish literacy, math, coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity^® and Imagine EdgeEX offer innovative courseware solutions, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: imaginelearning.com.

November 13, 2024 8:00 am

Imagine Learning Expands Literacy Assessment Portfolio with Acquisition of EarlyBird

Research-Backed Tool Enables Educators to Detect and Address Reading Challenges for Students in Grades PreK–3

November 13, 2024, Tempe, Arizona — Imagine Learning, the largest national provider of digital-first curriculum solutions, today announced the acquisition of the EarlyBird, a dyslexia screener and early literacy assessment for students in PreK–Grade 3. The EarlyBird game-based assessment enables the early identification of dyslexia and other reading challenges to give educators the data they need to intervene. This acquisition underscores Imagine Learning’s commitment to supporting the 18 million K–12 students and educators who rely on its products in over half of the school districts nationwide.

“We are excited to add the EarlyBird assessment to the Imagine Learning portfolio,” said Jonathan Grayer, Chairman and CEO of Imagine Learning. “With its ability to identify reading challenges like dyslexia at an early stage, EarlyBird equips educators to take action sooner. Paired with our intervention solutions, which empower teachers to deliver targeted, research-backed instruction, EarlyBird enhances our ability to support students’ literacy journeys from day one, fostering growth, confidence, and long-term success.”

Meeting the Critical Need for Early Literacy Screening

A 2021 report by the Institute of Education Sciences, encompassing over 20 years of research and 75,000 students, confirmed the effectiveness of early literacy interventions, showing that additional instruction significantly increases a student’s likelihood of becoming a successful reader. Early literacy screening is essential to identify students who need timely intervention to prevent long-term academic challenges. Developed and scientifically validated at Boston Children’s Hospital in partnership with faculty at the Florida Center for Reading Research, the EarlyBird assessment makes early literacy screening engaging, effective, and accessible for educators and students.

EarlyBird’s unique, child-friendly, game-based approach is aligned to the science of reading, assessing students on critical foundational skills including phonemic/phonological awareness, phonics, oral language comprehension, sound-symbol correspondence, and naming speed.

The assessment is computer adaptive to each child’s skill level as they progress through activities, providing precise insights into their strengths and areas needing support. The application provides a wealth of real-time data for educators, enabling early intervention with highly targeted strategies via an intuitive dashboard organized in alignment with the science of reading and divided into individual subtest skills as they pertain to the Simple View of Reading.

Integration with Imagine Learning

EarlyBird joins Imagine Learning’s Imagine+ Assessment portfolio, a comprehensive system delivering screening, diagnostics, standards benchmarking, and formative assessments. This portfolio empowers personalized learning and enables informed instructional decisions in conjunction with Imagine Learning’s English Language Arts solutions. “EarlyBird is a powerful addition to our robust literacy portfolio,” said Sarah Anderson, SVP of Product & Platform at Imagine Learning. “By uniting EarlyBird’s early literacy screening with our literacy intervention programs, including Imagine Language & Literacy, Imagine MyPath, and the recently enhanced Imagine Sonday System, a systematic, multisensory reading program based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, we’re providing educators with end-to-end solutions that enhance both assessment and targeted instruction. This integration enriches our assessment tools, allowing educators to personalize learning journeys and respond to students’ needs in real time with data-driven decisions.”

About Imagine Learning

Every classroom, every student is bursting with potential. That’s why we pursue relentless innovation at the intersection of technology, people, and curricula. Imagine Learning creates K–12 digital-first solutions, working alongside teachers to support 18 million students in over half of the districts nationwide. Our core portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education, Twig^® Science, and Traverse. Our robust supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with personalized instruction for English and Spanish literacy, math, coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity^® and Imagine EdgeEX offer innovative courseware solutions, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: imaginelearning.com.

October 15, 2024 8:00 am

Imagine Learning and Battelle for Kids Partner to Advance High-Quality Instruction and Durable Skills for Future-Ready Students

This partnership merges Battelle for Kids’ Portrait of a Graduate expertise with Imagine Learning’s HQIM to create future-focused, impactful classrooms.

Tempe, Arizona — October 15, 2024 — Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital-first PreK–12 solutions in the United States, and Battelle for Kids, a national education not-for-profit that supports educators to ensure every student is future-ready, have announced a strategic partnership to advance a reimagined vision for student success. This collaboration builds upon Battelle for Kids’ nationally recognized expertise in developing durable skills through its Portrait of a Graduate framework in alignment with Imagine Learning’s research-backed curricula. Together, the organizations will empower educators to create learning environments that establish a more impactful vision for success in K-12 education.

“This partnership is significant because we’ve been deeply involved in defining why schools need to change and what instructional transformation should look like. Imagine Learning helps us focus on the how,” said Mike Duncan, President & CEO of Battelle for Kids. “You can’t have the how without high-quality instructional materials. It’s about creating environments and processes that engage students in deeper learning every day.”

Building Capacity and Sparking Engagement

A recent Gallup survey found that fewer than two in 10 students strongly agree that what they are learning in class feels important, interesting, challenging, or aligned with their natural talents. (Gallup) With student engagement at an all-time low and increased demands on teachers, district leaders face mounting pressure to create a shared vision of what deeper learning looks like in practice by providing meaningful and motivating learning experiences that prepare students for bright futures.

Imagine Learning and Battelle for Kids are combining high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) with strategies that develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration to help schools design experiences that are both academically rigorous and deeply engaging. By integrating rigorous curricula with approaches that build both academic and durable skills, the partnership aims to deliver a more holistic definition of student success and equip learners with the competencies needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Building a Unified Vision for Student Success

Imagine Learning and Battelle for Kids will conduct joint research and develop resources to equip districts and school leaders to create impactful educational experiences. By offering actionable insights and tools, the collaboration will support the integration of high-quality instructional materials with strategies that build durable skills. “Our shared goal is to help districts create a more comprehensive definition of student success,” said Sari Factor, Vice Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer for Imagine Learning. “By leveraging the strengths of both organizations, we can activate and scale Portrait of a Graduate. With Battelle for Kids, we’re providing a vision and models for what education can and should look like.”

Engaging the Education Community

The upcoming 2024 Battelle for Kids Annual Event, taking place next week in Indianapolis (October 21–23), will provide an opportunity to explore these critical topics further. “We’ll be seeing over 500 educational leaders at our Annual Event, and we know this topic will be of great importance to them,” added Duncan. “We’re excited to continue the conversation and explore how we can support districts to make this vision a reality.”

About Imagine Learning

About Battelle for Kids

Battelle for Kids (BFK) is a national, not-for-profit organization helping to empower educators so that every student has hope, resilience, and the knowledge and skills to be future-ready. BFK has helped hundreds of school districts and state agencies design, launch, and bring their shared community visions — the Portrait of a Graduate — to life, impacting the learning experiences of millions of students nationwide. For more information, visit bfk.org.

September 30, 2024 9:00 am

Imagine Learning Foundation Surpasses $1 Million in Giving, Expands Support for Vulnerable Youth

The Imagine Learning Foundation (ILF), the philanthropic initiative funded by Imagine Learning, the nation’s largest provider of digital-first curriculum solutions, today announced $500,000 in Signature Grant awards to seven organizations dedicated to supporting student well-being beyond the classroom.

Tempe, Arizona — September 30, 2024 – The Imagine Learning Foundation (ILF), the philanthropic initiative funded by Imagine Learning, the nation’s largest provider of digital-first curriculum solutions, today announced $500,000 in Signature Grant awards to seven organizations dedicated to supporting student well-being beyond the classroom. This year’s grant allocation reflects a 25% increase over last year, further emphasizing ILF’s commitment to tackling youth homelessness and chronic absenteeism, two of the most critical issues facing students today.

Since its launch in 2021, ILF has awarded over $1.2 million through 29 grants as part of its initial $5 million funding commitment. The recipient organizations have positively impacted more than 413,000 students in 1,700 communities across the U.S., addressing issues from homelessness to mental health.

“Since the inception of the Imagine Learning Foundation, we have always been dedicated to supporting learners beyond the classroom,” said Jonathan Grayer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Imagine Learning. “This year, we placed a stronger emphasis on supporting organizations committed to addressing the growing crisis of youth homelessness and chronic absenteeism—issues that directly affect a student’s success and have lasting impacts on their learning and well-being. Together with our Signature Grant recipients, we are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the support and stability necessary to overcome these challenges and reach their full potential.”

Targeting Key Areas of Student Support

Two-thirds of K-12 students attended a school where at least 20% of the student body was chronically absent, creating a crisis for these students, especially in math and reading. Additionally, there are over 1.2 million students experiencing homelessness putting them at greater academic and graduation risks than their peers. To meet this growing crisis, the 2024 Signature Grants were awarded to organizations working in one of four key giving areas: basic needs support, wraparound services for students and families experiencing homelessness, mental health support, and research to address chronic absenteeism.

2024 Signature Award Winners

Catie’s Closet, founded in 2010, is a New England-based nonprofit dedicated to providing children with access to the clothing and basic necessities children need so they can thrive in school and in life. ILF is awarding Catie’s Closet a $100,000 grant to subsidize the cost of supplies, fund emergency support needs, expand its order request system, and ultimately impact over 3,500 youth throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Giving the Basics (GTB), founded in 2011, is a Kansas-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing improved health, hope, and dignity to struggling children and adults through the procurement, fulfillment, and distribution of personal hygiene products. ILF is awarding GTB with a $50,000 grant to fund warehouse distribution center costs and subsidize supply procurement to help fight the negative effect of poverty on student hygiene for over 200,000 students throughout Kansas.
Our House, founded in 1988, is an Atlanta, Georgia-based nonprofit dedicated to providing transformative care to end the cycle of homelessness for families and children. ILF is awarding Our House with a $100,000 grant to provide health care, family advocacy services, case management support, and housing support for over 650 students in the greater Atlanta area.
UpSpring, founded in 1998, is an Ohio-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering children experiencing homelessness by providing opportunities through education and enrichment. ILF is awarding UpSpring a $50,000 grant to provide year-round services, including after-school programming, summer day-camp, and an on-demand resource center stocked with supplies servicing over 415 students within Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.
SchoolHouse Connection (SHC), founded in 2016, is a national nonprofit organization working to overcome homelessness through education. ILF has awarded SHC with a $100,000 grant to fully fund the first-ever national initiative between SHC and Attendance Works (AW) to research best practices for improving attendance of students experiencing homelessness. The initiative includes a research study, case studies, webinars, training, and a 2025 attendance awareness campaign to ultimately support students nationwide.

Returning Grant Recipients

Our Minds Matter (OMM), founded in 2012, is a Virginia-based national nonprofit dedicated to fostering a student-led movement working towards a day when no teen dies by suicide, and where all teens have access to the mental health resources they need to become their best selves. Originally awarded a $100,000 grant in 2023, ILF is renewing its commitment to OMM with an additional $50,000 this year to expand the reach of existing clubs that currently have over 3,000 student members nationwide, fund campaign support, community events, and a new, accessible website design.
Erika’s Lighthouse, founded in 2004, is an Illinois-based national nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and educating youth, their families, and the community about adolescent depression while breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Originally awarded a $100,000 inaugural grant in 2022, and a second $50,000 grant in 2023, ILF is renewing its commitment to Erika’s Lighthouse with an additional $50,000 this year to fund national campaigns, create a new data center, and help provide recognition to model schools for the betterment of over 120,000 students nationwide.

“The 2024 grant cycle marks a significant milestone for the Imagine Learning Foundation, pushing us beyond the million-dollar mark in funding, and extending our reach to students in every state across the nation,” said Chris Graham, Chairman and President of the Imagine Learning Foundation. “We are proud to partner with so many impactful organizations and focus this year on the pressing problems of student homelessness and chronic absenteeism. We are confident that together the Imagine Learning Foundation and our partners will continue to drive positive impact and create brighter futures for countless students nationwide.”

Grassroots Grants

In addition to the Signature Grants, ILF awards Grassroots Grants to employee-recommended regional organizations that focus on learner well-being within Imagine Learning employees’ local communities. Two recent Grassroots Grants, awarded to Sleep In Heavenly Peace and Homeless Youth Connection, were announced earlier this month in celebration of Imagine Learning’s new headquarters opening in Tempe, Arizona.

For more information about the Imagine Learning Foundation and the 2024 Signature Grant awardees, visit imaginelearningfoundation.org.

About Imagine Learning Foundation

Imagine Learning Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on fostering the well-being of learners and the people who support them at home and in their communities. Established in 2021, the Imagine Learning Foundation funds a variety of grants to mission-aligned national non-profit organizations that support initiatives to foster well-being of youth, families, and educators with an emphasis on accelerating student achievement. Imagine Learning Foundation is the philanthropic initiative of Imagine Learning, the largest provider of digital curriculum solutions in the U.S. Additional information is available at imaginelearningfoundation.org.

September 23, 2024 9:00 am

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Partners with Imagine Learning to Strengthen Math Proficiency in Grades 4 and 8

Tempe, Arizona – September 23, 2024 – The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recently announced its partnership with leading K–12 digital curriculum provider Imagine Learning to implement the Small Group Targeted Instruction (SGTI) service, which delivers high-dosage tutoring to small groups of students in all the core subjects. This statewide initiative will provide math tutoring throughout the 2024–2025 school year for over 3,000 students in grades 4 and 8, addressing critical needs in math proficiency and preparing students for success in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).

A Statewide Commitment to Academic Excellence

Through this partnership, DESE reaffirms its commitment to enhancing student achievement in math by leveraging Imagine Learning’s SGTI service. Starting on September 16, 2024, certified intervention specialists will deliver personalized math instruction to small groups in 30-minute online sessions, three times per week, supplementing regular math classes. By focusing on grades 4 and 8, this data-driven program aims to prepare students for pivotal standardized tests and build a strong foundation for their future academic success.

“We’re thrilled to work with Imagine Learning and believe their SGTI program will have a great impact for our students,” said Dr. Fabrice Kandjanga of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). “By focusing on personalized, high dosage instruction, we can work to close the math proficiency gap better and set our students on a path to long-term success.”

Why Imagine Learning?

Imagine Learning’s SGTI service was chosen for its proven track record in delivering high-impact educational interventions. With certified intervention specialists driving the program, Imagine Learning’s SGTI service ensures that every student receives the personalized attention needed to overcome math challenges. Delivered through a secure online platform, the program is designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of location or background, in an effort to bridge the gap in equitable access to learning.

“We’re proud to bring our highly regarded SGTI program to Massachusetts, where it will make a direct impact on student learning outcomes,” said Kinsey Rawe, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Imagine Learning. “By strengthening students’ math skills and proficiency with high dosage tutoring, we’re giving students the tools they need to achieve long-term success in their academic careers and beyond.”

The Impact on Massachusetts Students

This Massachusetts initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of unfinished learning in math. By equipping students with the skills to excel in math, the program will play a crucial role in helping them achieve success on the MCAS and in their future academic pursuits.

For more information on how Imagine Learning’s intervention service supports students in core subjects, English language development, and test prep, please visit Imagine Learning SGTI.

About the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is committed to ensuring that every student in the Commonwealth receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success in school and beyond. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and a focus on equity, DESE works to support educators, students, and families across the state.

About Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning is a leading provider of K–12 digital education solutions, working alongside teachers to support over 18 million students nationwide. With a comprehensive portfolio of core curriculum, supplemental programs, innovative courseware, and school services, Imagine Learning is committed to helping students achieve their full potential.

September 5, 2024 9:15 am

Imagine Learning Expands Product Portfolio and Introduces Significant Enhancements Across Its Products and Services

Expanding Opportunity and Access for Learners, Empowering Teachers with Innovative AI Tools

Tempe, Arizona — September 5, 2024 — As the 2024–2025 academic year begins, Imagine Learning announces new products and services, along with extensive updates across its comprehensive portfolio. In response to the evolving needs of K–12 students and educators, Imagine Learning has broadened its curriculum offerings, enhanced existing products, and delivered more flexible learning options. With a focus on expanding opportunity and access for learners, while making teachers’ lives easier by leveraging innovative AI tools, Imagine Learning continues to set a new standard in today’s classrooms.

Expanding High-Quality Core Curriculum Solutions to Prepare Future-Ready Students

Imagine Learning’s growing portfolio of core curriculum solutions brings learning to life through research-backed pedagogy and seamless, time-saving supports for teachers as they prepare students for an increasingly complex world. As a premium Certified Partner of Illustrative Mathematics, the leading problem-based K–12 mathematics curriculum, Imagine IM for grades K–8 debuted in classrooms this fall. The high-quality solution offers the new IM v. 360 edition enhanced for engagement, accessibility, and usability. The comprehensive instructional resource meets the challenge of giving every learner equitable access to grade-level mathematics. Imagine IM traditional and integrated high school courses will be available for fall 2025 implementation.

Pairing dynamic media with inquiry-based learning, Traverse® is a groundbreaking, digital-first social studies curriculum for grades 6–12. The program empowers teachers to meet the required content and instructional standards while developing critical thinking and civic engagement for students. The first courses in the series are already in classrooms, with additional courses coming for 2025. To coincide with the election season, access to selected lessons on voting, the suffrage movement, and more topics are available through Traverse Explorer, a free resource for social studies educators.

Enhanced Supplemental & Intervention Programs for Improved Student Outcomes

Helping every student achieve academic success remains a challenge nationwide. Imagine Language & Literacy, which leverages AI to save teachers planning time, now includes the new Fluent Reader Plus tool to further enhance reading fluency and comprehension. Additional books and lessons in Imagine Language & Literacy, along with formative assessment tools in Imagine MyPath and Imagine Math, support learning recovery in reading and math. With a growing number of English Language Learners (ELLs) in classrooms, these programs are specifically tailored to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Strengthening Special Education with Targeted Solutions

To better support students with unique learning challenges, Imagine Learning has expanded its offerings to support students with special needs. The Imagine Sonday System now includes updated strategies and tools to improve literacy outcomes, and the Exceptional Student Course Suite has grown to 24 courses, providing personalized instruction for a wide range of learning disabilities. Additionally, Imagine Learning’s Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) services now include integrated teletherapy, making essential communication support more accessible to students.

Introducing Imagine EdgeEX: A Flexible Solution for Digital Learning

Imagine Learning is proud to introduce Imagine EdgeEX, a versatile digital learning solution designed to meet the diverse needs of schools and districts, offering online courses for initial credit, virtual schools, or hybrid programs. Imagine EdgeEX features the Grading Assistant tool, which leverages AI to streamline grading for short writing activities, and enhanced course customization options that allow educators to tailor content delivery to student needs. This new product equips educators with the tools to deliver adaptable, high-quality instruction in any learning environment.

Enhancing School Services to Support Diverse Learning Needs

Imagine Learning has broadened its School Services to better meet the varied needs of K–12 schools. Imagine Learning’s Small Group Targeted Instruction (SGTI) program is an affordable way to address the many learners who need extra support, providing flexible scheduling and reporting tools to enable precise, data-driven instruction. Expanded Instructional Services provide greater access to certified K–12 teachers and new virtual tutoring options, delivering on-demand support when students need it most. With advanced data analytics integrated across Imagine Learning’s solutions, educators are empowered to make informed decisions that continually improve student outcomes.

“At Imagine Learning, we’re committed to creating solutions that empower educators and inspire students. These updates are about providing the tools and flexibility needed to meet each learner where they are and helping them achieve success. It’s not just about keeping up with change—it’s about leading the way in making education more effective,” said Sari Factor, Vice Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer of Imagine Learning.

Discover how Imagine Learning’s comprehensive solutions can empower your classroom by visiting imaginelearning.com.

About Imagine Learning

Every classroom, every student is bursting with potential. That’s why we pursue relentless innovation at the intersection of technology, people, and curricula. Imagine Learning creates K–12 digital-first solutions, working alongside teachers to support 18 million students in over half of the districts nationwide. Our core portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education, Twig^® Science, and Traverse. Our robust supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with personalized instruction for English and Spanish literacy, math, coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity^® and Imagine EdgeEX offer innovative courseware solutions, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: imaginelearning.com.

July 30, 2024 6:15 am

Imagine Learning Launches Enhanced Sonday System With Science of Reading Support

Empowering Educators with Effective Tools for Every Student’s Success

Tempe, Arizona, July 30, 2024 – Imagine Learning, a leader in digital-first educational solutions, proudly announces the enhancements to the market-leading Imagine Sonday System. This powerful, multisensory reading program, based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, is designed to meet the diverse needs of students in special education, struggling readers, and students learning to read, ensuring every learner receives the support they need to succeed.

Innovative Enhancements to Support More Learners

The enhanced Imagine Sonday System builds on the structured, systematic, and multisensory teaching methods already proven effective and augments them with explicit instructional support grounded in the science of reading. Educators can implement comprehensive lesson plans with minimal preparation, now pairing them with science of reading-aligned warm-ups and cool-downs. This ensures the most effective, research-based reading instruction. The program offers vital tools to immediately identify and support struggling readers as early as PreK.

“The Imagine Sonday System has already empowered countless educators to tackle reading challenges effectively, ensuring student success,” said Eric Smith, General Manager of Imagine Learning Sonday System. “By integrating the latest science of reading research, our updated system provides a robust and effective solution for educators, from kindergarten through advanced levels.”

Addressing Students with Special Needs

The number of students in special education programs has significantly increased over the past decades, highlighting the urgent need for effective interventions aligned with the latest science of reading research. The Imagine Sonday System offers a comprehensive solution of Tier 1 support and Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions, which improve reading skills and help students transition out of special education when appropriate. Additionally, robust data collection and progress monitoring help meet stringent oversight and compliance requirements.

Tackling Teacher Shortages

Imagine Sonday System addresses the pressing issue of teacher shortages, particularly in special education. The straightforward implementation process allows both veteran educators and those with little to no experience teaching reading to deliver high-quality instruction, alleviating some of the staffing pressures faced by schools. Paraprofessionals can also effectively implement the system, broadening the range of educators who can support students. Imagine Learning offers additional teaching support with Small Group Targeted Instruction, ensuring effective delivery of interventions and comprehensive support for both educators and students.

Key Benefits of the Enhanced Imagine Sonday System

Ease of Use: Streamlined, six-step lesson plans ensure that educators can quickly implement the program with minimal training.
Efficiency: Designed for rapid deployment; teachers are prepared to deliver high-quality lessons after just one training day. The intervention-focused lesson plans are pre-written, include all materials for delivery, and are designed to be only 35 minutes in length.
Accessibility: Available in both digital and print formats, this inclusive solution ensures that a wide range of educators, from seasoned professionals to volunteers, can access and utilize the resources effectively.
Support: Continuous access to expert advice and support ensures sustained success and effective implementation.

To learn more about how Imagine Learning is driving equitable success for students with disabilities, visit Imagine Sonday System.

About Imagine Learning

Every classroom, every student is bursting with potential. That’s why we pursue relentless innovation at the intersection of technology, people, and curricula. Imagine Learning creates K–12 digital-first solutions, working alongside teachers to support 15 million students in over half of the districts nationwide. Our core portfolio includes Imagine IM, Imagine Learning EL Education, Twig^® Science, and Traverse^®. Our robust supplemental and intervention suite equips learners with personalized instruction for English and Spanish literacy, math, coding, and more. Imagine Edgenuity^® and Imagine EdgeEX offer innovative courseware solutions, complemented by Imagine School Services’ Certified Teachers. Imagine Learning. Empower potential. Learn more: imaginelearning.com.