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VIDEO: Why Public Charter Schools are Critical to Closing the Achievement Gap

Geoff Canada, President of Harlem Children’s Zone, says it best: “If you are a kid who works hard and plays by the rules, then the sky should be the limit.”

And we couldn’t agree more.

That’s why Bloomberg Philanthropies recently announced a five-year $750 million effort to advance public education in the United States through support for public charter schools which provide opportunities to historically underserved communities and an equal chance at a quality education for all children.

Mike Bloomberg has made it a priority to support these schools which are helping close the achievement gap, with investments in public charter schools in 20 metro areas. This work will help student populations that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and where, on average, more than 80 percent of students receive free and reduced-price lunch and more than 90 percent are children of color. This funding will facilitate 150,000 additional seats for children in high quality charter schools across the country.

Learn more about Bloomberg Philanthropies’ work to advance K-12 education here.

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