Build Common Ground
Michigan is a state of builders and innovators. As a purple state, we also benefit from a wide range of perspectives. It is time to draw on these strengths and work together to retool our public education system.
While The Skillman Foundation is focused on Detroit youth, improving their educational opportunities requires statewide policy change and collaborative leadership. Ultimately, we want to see education transformed for all 1.2 million Michigan students across more than 800 public school districts. That will require the shared wisdom and sustained work of many people, even those who may not always agree.
Other states are demonstrating that transformational change is possible when people align around a strategic plan and remain committed to seeing it through. For example, Mississippi rose in the national rankings from 49th to 9th in third-grade reading scores between 2012 and 2024. That dramatic turnaround took more than a decade of focused effort.
The Skillman Foundation helps build a broad movement for change by supporting people and organizations to work toward shared solutions.
Grant Opportunities
Supporting research, data, and shared learning that help communities and decision-makers understand education challenges, identify promising solutions, and measure progress.
Investing in storytelling, strategic communications, and journalism that build shared understanding of education needs and solutions, strengthen people-powered advocacy, and elevate Detroit voices.
Current Initiatives
Celebrating changemakers who lock arms with others to transform public education.
Our monthly podcast and WJR radio show, featuring a variety of voices, together forming a new vision for Michigan’s K-12 schools.
Bringing leaders together for shared learning, deeper connection, and coordinated action toward education systems change.
Common Ground Gatherings
A monthly gathering offered to our grant partners to connect, build relationships, and share insights.
Civic Parterships
Investments made outside our People Powered Education strategy that support systems connected to K-12 education, philanthropic collaborations, and key initiatives for Detroit youth.
