Distance Learning

K12 Launches Foundation for Blended and Online Learning

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 01/25/16

K12 has launched The Foundation for Blended and Online Learning, an independent charitable organization designed to advance online and blended learning opportunities and outcomes.

The foundation will have three goals:

• To offer scholarships for post-secondary students;
• To offer grants for individuals and organizations advancing online and blended learning; and
• Bringing together stakeholders for collaboration.

"Through multi-faceted giving program, The Foundation for Blended and Online Learning seeks to build out scholarship programs to include educational endowments for undergraduate juniors/seniors pursuing teaching degrees, academic achievement tuition scholarships for online and blended students, as well as technology stipends for materials," according to a news release. "Additionally, the foundation's grant program will be designed to provide financial support to teachers working in blended and virtual schooling environments or using digital content. The Foundation will provide grants to educators for professional development, graduate coursework completion, development and replication of best practices for teaching in virtual environments."

The board of directors for the new foundation will include:

• Kevin Chavous, as chairman, founding board member and executive counsel for the American Federation for Children;
• Robyn Bagley, founder and principal at Early College High School;
• Kenneth Campbell, founding board member for the Black Alliance for Educational Options;
• Allison Cleveland, executive vice president of school management and services at K12;
• Mary Gifford, senior vice president of academic policy and external relations at K12;
• Linda Lopez, former Arizona State Senator;
• Rod Paige, former United States Secretary of Education; and
  Caroline Vander Ark, COO of Getting Smart.

"Thanks to K12's vision and financial generosity, we are excited to launch the foundation," said Chavous in a prepared statement. "Through our work we have an opportunity to shine a new light and illuminate blended and online learning advancements in education."