The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation is committed to sustaining vibrant, healthy communities where all people have the opportunities and means to achieve their dreams and make a positive difference in the world. Through our grants, we support effective organizations that are creating significant, lasting and transformational change either through smart and innovative responses to today’s needs or through systematic solutions that address the root causes of economic and societal challenges.
The Foundation is committed to helping reverse this trend through our education reform efforts in Washington, D.C. Many bright and inspiring leaders have committed themselves to ensuring that the most at-risk students gain access to quality education. For all areas where obstacles remain, there are also great opportunities for educators to demonstrate what can work.
Our education goal is for all of D.C.’s children—regardless of the school they attend—to be equipped with the building blocks for lifelong learning and healthy social-emotional development. We support high-performing schools and evidence-based programs that have the capacity to make dramatic educational gains for all students in Washington, DC. Our commitment to providing excellent educational opportunities spans from early childhood through secondary education.
Our goal is for every child in Washington, D.C., to have a smooth transition into kindergarten, prepared for school academically, socially, and emotionally.
We believe that the most direct method to improve student outcomes is to ensure schools are staffed with qualified, empowered teachers and leaders who are committed to constantly improve their teaching.
Through increasing the number of quality seats available to students, and investing in academic support programs, we work to close the achievement gap and help every child achieve grade-level proficiency in reading and math.
We strive to ensure that each student who graduates high school is ready for their next step—either prepared to succeed in the workplace or to excel at a college or university. The Foundation also supports a range of colleges and universities in their efforts to improve students’ overall educational experiences.