DR. MILTON CHEN MAKES $10,000 DONATION TO INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING INNOVATION ON BEHALF OF W.K KELLOGG FOUNDATION TRUSTEE FUND

We are so pleased to share that The W.K Kellogg Foundation has presented the Institute for Learning Innovation (ILI) with a $10,000 donation.

Founded in 1930 by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith Kellogg, WKKF is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to improve conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work, and in life. The gift came by way of Board Trustee Dr. Milton Chen whose career has spanned four decades working at the intersection of PreK-12 education, media, and technology.

Dr. Chen was the director of research at the Sesame Workshop where he helped develop Sesame Street, The Electric Company and 3-2-1 Contact as well as an Assistant Professor at Harvard. He has been awarded the Elmo Award from the Sesame Workshop, Fred Rogers Award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Robin Winks Award for Enhancing Public Education Understanding of the National Parks. He’s also published a  book called, “Education Nation: Six Leading Edges of Innovation in our Schools,” which was named one of the year’s 10 best education books by the American School Board Journal in 2010.

When asked why he chose to allocate this donation to ILI in particular, Dr. Chen said “For many years, the Institute for Learning Innovation has sought to understand how, when, where and why learning happens – a much more expansive and realistic view of learning rather than simply equating it with schooling. I believe our society would make better progress if more policymakers understood this more holistic view. I’m glad to support the work taking place at ILI”

We have deep gratitude for the Kellogg Foundation and its commitment to reshaping communities through equity and education. We know that 95% of lifelong learning happens OUTSIDE of the classroom. Yet, focus (and funding) remains centered on schools. We are profoundly appreciative of Dr. Chen and his understanding and acknowledgment of this reality.

For over 30 years we’ve gathered data that demonstrates the impact that is made when diverse groups of all ages can follow their curiosity and learn at will in settings like museums, science centers, libraries, and community groups. This generous donation will allow us to expand our reach and create a larger impact in these areas as we continue to support these community-based learning opportunities and the people working in these spaces so that people everywhere have access to the learning opportunities they want, need, and deserve.

For additional information regarding making donations please contact ILI’s Executive Director, Dr. John H. Falk at john.falk@freechoicelearning.org

For media inquiries please contact ILI’s Director of Communications stacey.sheehan@stacey.sheehan@freechoicelearning.org

Posted Sep 29, 2021