Ensuring students gain equitable opportunities
One Idea Foundation closes educational gaps worldwide by financially supporting underserved education institutions to develop Market-Ready graduates through resources and programs like Learn to Start.
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Welcome to OIF
The One Idea Foundation (OIF) believes that one idea can transform the world.
As a non-profit organization, we are committed to providing essential funding and support to bring the transformative Learn to Start program to underserved schools and communities, equipping students with the skills, mindset, and experiences they need to thrive.
A Mission for Change
We believe that every student, regardless of income, should have access to meaningful educational opportunities that prepare them for success.
Through our partnerships with schools, community organizations, and industry, we actively work to eliminate cost as a barrier to educational institutions.
Removing the Opportunity Gap
OIF provides need-based funding for schools to secure sustainable resources that ensure the successful implementation and lasting impact of Market-Ready education solutions like the Learn to Start program.
Identifying Need
McKinsey & Company’s research shows that many industries report a lack of "future-proof" skills, with up to 40% of employers feeling that current graduates are not prepared for the workforce.
A report by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce states that only 14% of low-income students complete degrees or certifications that correlate with higher-paying jobs.
Research by the Education Trust found that providing scholarships and funding for skill-building programs at high-need schools led to higher college and career readiness rates among participating students.
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) highlights that students involved in hands-on, project-based learning are more likely to graduate and to pursue high-demand fields.
Join Our Mission
Join us as we work to ensure that all students have access to the education, opportunities, and skills they need to shape their futures.
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Driving A Powerful Learning Solution for Change
OIF supports the expansion of Learn to Start’s unique model of human development by making it affordable for schools and communities throughout the United States and beyond.
Closing a Massive Gap between Industry and Education
By attracting the full power of industry, OIF helps drive the change necessary to future-proof students to be Aligned, Productive and Competitive.
A Partnership with Communities Everywhere
OIF builds partnerships with private corporations, foundations and government organizations to bridge their resources into education, bringing about real and sustainable change while narrowing the massive skills gap facing industry’s workforces.
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Meet Our Leaders
Gary Conroy
“Education must change if we expect to protect the future of our planet. We must develop people who are skilled to take on the endeavors and problems facing our world. Moreover, we must narrow the massive equity gap that currently exists in education throughout the globe.
At the One Idea Foundation, our mission is clear: to bring real and sustainable solutions to education to ensure as many people as possible get access to a transformative model of human development – one that builds the outcomes of empowerment, performance and wellness in every student we serve.”
“As a former college instructor and reading specialist, I’ve seen first hand the challenges that students face after graduation. Students need an opportunity to understand their strengths and passions so that they can enter the job market prepared.
The One Idea Foundation is committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and the skills valued by Industry. OIF ensures that all students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential and shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”
Melissa Clark
Hear from Melissa Clark, OIF's President & CEO
Publications, press releases, posts
