Recently, a team from Battelle for Kids spent a couple days in Washington D.C. to convene with the P21 Strategic Council and celebrate the 21st Century Learning Exemplars cohort of 2019.
While we were obviously moved by the monuments and museums of our nation’s capital, we were equally if not more inspired by the passion of the P21 Strategic Council and the accomplishments of the Exemplars. Both groups
are clearly dedicated to realizing the power and promise of 21st century learning for every student.
Here are a few highlights from our team.
Shannon King, PhD Chief Innovation Officer
“The exemplars are all striving to transform education, make a difference in their communities, and improve outcomes for the children they serve. And it’s clear the Strategic Council members are
all invested in the goal of 21st century education. The diversity of organizations around the room reminded me that there are lots of pathways to make a difference for kids!”
Karen K. Garza, PhD President & CEO
“It was affirming and reassuring to hear the different business and association leaders supporting the transformation of school systems and advancing 21st century learning. As
school leaders, we cannot do it alone. We need the input and support of the business community to ensure we’re preparing the workforce to thrive in the 21st century and beyond.”
Kat Stewart Senior Director, P21, a network of Battelle for Kids
“The Exemplars inspire me so much. These schools and organizations work incredibly hard to improve the lives of the kids in their care, and I hope they felt appreciated
and special. Also, watching them cheer for each other during the ceremony made my heart happy. If they show that level of support and encouragement to people they just met, I can only imagine what it’s like to be around them every day.”
Ken Kay CEO, EdLeader 21, a network of Battelle for Kids
“It was great to be a part of the conversation as the P21 Strategic Council collaborated on their role in celebrating exemplars, building upon their history as thought leaders, and advocating
for 21st century learning.”
Jacqueline Burke Senior Director, Improvement and Impact
“This trip reaffirmed the importance of having high-quality examples of 21st century learning, especially in districts that face obstacles of
poverty and inequity. I’m looking forward to staying engaged with the Exemplars to learn from them as well as to help others move toward implementing 21st century learning for all students.”
Brad Dresbach
Director, Marketing & Communications
“School board members, administrators, teachers—these Exemplars were all clearly committed to improving the quality of education they provide. They listened
intently to each other as they passionately talked about how they were innovating and transforming educational experiences for every child they serve.”
Erin Schmidt
Events Director
“I enjoyed listening to the Strategic Council—hearing from the business side—seeing where they believe education is, where it’s headed, and what support they
can lend. It was exhilarating to be in the same room with the intelligence, energy, and expertise of that group.”
You can learn more about the 21st Century Learning Exemplars by clicking here.
P21 is a network of businesses, organizations, and associations advocating and working to advance the mission of realizing the power and promise of 21st century learning for students everywhere. Learn more by clicking
here, and if you are interested in joining, please contact Kat Stewart.