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Six States Join Leading Toward Tomorrow Project to Drive Educational Innovation and Equity
Project Tomorrow announces the launch of the Leading Toward Tomorrow Project, an initiative designed to support statewide educational innovation through data-driven collaboration and research. Alabama, California, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts and Virginia have been selected as the first cohort in this transformative state network.
The Leading Toward Tomorrow Project represents a new approach to educational advancement, bringing together state education agencies and/or membership organizations and local school districts in a structured research and innovation process. Through comprehensive partnership with Project Tomorrow, each participating state will lead a cohort of school districts, leveraging research insights to develop practical strategies tailored to their unique educational landscapes.
This initiative is:
- Equity-Focused: Ensuring all students have access to future-ready learning opportunities, regardless of geography, background, or circumstance.
- Research-Driven: Informed by the authentic voices of students, educators, administrators, and families to ground decisions in real classroom experiences.
- Action-Oriented: Designed to produce meaningful insights and practical strategies that school and district leaders can implement immediately.
State education leaders across the inaugural cohort emphasized the importance of listening to stakeholders to drive meaningful change.
The collaborative model positions state education agencies as leaders in driving innovation within their regions while benefiting from shared learning and resources across the network. Each state will work with selected school districts to examine current practices, gather stakeholder input through tools like the Speak Up Research Project, and develop evidence-based approaches to improving student outcomes.
States receive comprehensive survey tools and qualitative research support managed entirely by Project Tomorrow, with all data handled confidentially and contributing to national research. Participating states also get exclusive deliverables including a report and infographic, plus a strategic planning session with Dr. Julie Evans.
The Leading Toward Tomorrow Project builds on Project Tomorrow’s extensive experience in educational research and stakeholder engagement, bringing decades of expertise in listening to and learning from the education community.
For more information about the Leading Toward Tomorrow Project contact Research Operations Chief, Michelle Green mgreen@tomorrow.org.
About Project Tomorrow
Project Tomorrow’s vision is ensuring that today’s students are well prepared to be tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and engaged citizens. We believe that authentic learning experiences enable all students to develop the skills and mindsets needed for future success. Our work spans Efficacy Studies and Research that measure the real-world impact of educational innovations, the nationally recognized Speak Up Research Project that amplifies the authentic voices of millions of K–12 stakeholders, and New Learning Model Programs that support schools in designing future-ready teaching and learning. Since 2003, we have provided education leaders, teachers, and parents with research-based insights that drive data-informed decisions, improve student outcomes, and create more effective learning experiences for all. Learn more at www.tomorrow.org.
Media Contact: April Alba, Project Tomorrow Communication Coordinator, aalba@tomorrow.org
