A new report by Teachers College, Columbia University, Building Impact: A Closer Look at Local Cross-Sector Collaborations for Education, helps fill the gap by examining eight contemporary education collaborations across the country. The report draws on case studies of each of the collaborations and includes summaries of these examinations. Among the key findings are that collaborations need a credible and compelling rationale, as well as committed advocates, to get started; supporting a “backbone” organization to coordinate among the various players is a primary expense of collaboration; and collaborations seem to be helped by efforts to gather and use data despite a range of obstacles, including privacy concerns and uncertainty about which metrics to use.

To better understand the challenges that young New Yorkers face when navigating college and unstable housing, Young Invincibles spoke with more than 60 young adults across New York City. Their report, “I Know What’s at Stake”: How Homelessness Impacts College Success in New York City, examines the barriers these young people outlined, along with insights from leading researchers, service providers, and government officials. They also share recommendations to increase college access and success for students experiencing homelessness in New York City — recommendations that cities, states, and institutions across the country can use when addressing the growing crisis of college student homelessness.

Susan Crown Exchange is seeking to support programs, initiatives, or campaigns that respond to the following Challenge: How can young people inspire their peers to use technology in healthy ways and make digital spaces better for everyone? They expect to award grants at two tiers: 1) prototype, experimental, or early-stage grants of $50,000 per year (up to two years); and 2) implementation grants of $100,000–$250,000 per year (up to two years) to organizations with established records and detailed plans who want to scale their work. Submissions will be considered on a rolling basis until the deadline of 6:00 PM on January 31, 2020. Submit your letter of inquiry through their Foundant portal.

Words Without Borders Campus continues its free professional development series with an interactive workshop on January 9, 2020 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. The workshop will prepare participants to find culturally-responsive stories and resources to engage their students, make connections with fellow educators, writers, and translators, and learn strategies to spark students' creativity and boost analytical skills. To RSVP, email Jennifer Lauren at jennifer@wordswithoutborders.org or Nadia Kalman at nadia@wordswithoutborders.org.

TheDream.US is accepting applications for their National Scholarship Award. The award will cover tuition and fees up to a maximum of $14,500 for an associate degree and $29,000 for a bachelor’s degree at one of their Partner Colleges. Some Scholars may be eligible for an additional stipend of up to $4,000 (or $1,000 per year) for books, supplies, and transportation. Applicants may be eligible if they have a current DACA or TPS authorization or meet TheDream.US immigration eligibility criteria and qualify for in-state tuition at one of their public Partner Colleges or are admitted to one of their private Partner Colleges. Read all the application guidelines and apply by February 27, 2020.

Youth Communication is sponsoring an award to celebrate the achievements of New York City youth in foster care. Ten young people will be awarded prize money at a ceremony in late May 2020. The prize money can be spent however the winner likes, although it is recommended that it be spent on education-related activities. Anyone born in 1999 or later who is or has been in the New York City foster care system is eligible. Applicants must write two essays to enter this contest, and can be nominated by any adult (including teachers, mentors, agency staff, youth workers, religious leaders, foster parents, or biological parents). Application deadline is March 2, 2020. Apply or download a flyer and application.