People Powered Education

When students, parents, and educators have meaningful influence over the decisions that shape public education, students are better supported to succeed. It’s time to reimagine how decisions are made— expanding the table to ensure those who know our students and schools best are truly heard and included.

People Powered Education brings community members together as a force for change, connecting them with policymakers and decision-making processes to ensure community-informed solutions shape the future of education.

Our four goals

Amplify Detroiters’ Power
We call this ground building, supporting efforts that help Detroit youth, parents, educators, and community members grow their individual and collective power to improve public education through their insights and advocacy.

Education Policy & Systems Change
We fund education advocacy organizations and coalitions to achieve transformational change that goes beyond short-term fixes, making lasting improvements for students in Detroit and beyond.

Build Common Ground
We support people and organizations to align and collaborate around shared goals that improve student outcomes. This includes funding education data, journalism, and storytelling.

Live Our Values
Our grantmaking and philanthropic practices invite accountability and foster trust.

Our grantmaking

The Skillman Foundation uses every tool available to champion Detroit youth, including our grantmaking, voice, relationships, and convening power.

The bulk of our grantmaking is aligned with our goals:
Amplify Detroiters’ Power | Ground Building
Education Policy & Systems Change
Build Common Ground

See more information about these funding areas by following the links above and learn about our grantmaking requirements and process.