We build the capacity of individuals and teams to strengthen their communities and education systems. We design tools and leadership programs| Institute for Educational Leadership
On July 31st, the Senate released and marked up its version of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill (Labor-H) for fiscal year 2026. Total discretionary funding for the Department of Education is set at approximately $79 billion, significantly higher than the White House’s proposed $66.7 billion, preserving critical funding for […] The post Advocacy Efforts Pay Off: FY26 Funding Proposal for Full-Service Community Schools Grows from $0 to $135M appeare...| Institute for Educational Leadership
*Please note: This update may not include all the changes currently happening in the federal government. Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy in July, and what lies ahead. The U.S. Congress The Reconciliation Process Reaches the End: The Reconciliation Bill for FY25, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, was passed by […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
JOIN US FOR THE 61ST WASHINGTON POLICY SEMINARTM! Registration is now closed About the Washington Policy SeminarTM We welcome you to the 61st Washington Policy SeminarTM (WPS) taking place March 17 to 19, 2025 at DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC – Crystal City. Started in 1964 by the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL), WPS is […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
Stay up to date on the latest happenings at IEL from policy updates and event recaps to education resources.| Institute for Educational Leadership
We work with communities and local organizations to build innovative programming, experiences and services to help change education systems.| Institute for Educational Leadership
Everyone: An Advocate™ Sign up now for Everyone: An Advocate On-Demand Badge E-Courses Apply now for our NEW Education Policy Fellowship Program: Community Schools cohort Participants will learn how to build a coalition, use data to create policy solutions, and employ advocacy tools and tactics to their policy goals. Purchase of this package includes access […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
*Please note: This update may not include all the changes currently happening in the federal government. Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy for the month of June, and what lies ahead. The White House The President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget: On May 30th, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released […] The post June 2025 Policy by the People Federal Update appeared first on Institute for Educational Leadership.| Institute for Educational Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C. – June 30, 2025 – The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is excited to welcome Michael Sims as our new Chair of the Board of Directors and Tauheedah Jackson as the new Vice Chair. Michael Sims, a seasoned executive and advocate for education-focused leadership, will now serve as IEL’s new […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
Click through the album below to see highlights from this years National Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference in Minneapolis!| Institute for Educational Leadership
May 30, 2025 (Washington, D.C) – This Friday afternoon, the U.S. Department of Education released its Fiscal Year 2026 proposed budget request. IEL is deeply concerned about the impact of this budget on key programs that have long sustained and supported high-quality education for students across the nation, including Full-Service Community Schools and Promise Neighborhoods. […] The post The President’s FY26 Budget Request Zeroes Out Full-Service Community Schools appeared first on Inst...| Institute for Educational Leadership
The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) changes systems through people and believes in a society in which shared leadership effectively uses all available resources for the betterment of their communities. The following policy principles guide our policy agenda: The three overarching areas for IEL’s 119th Congress Federal Policy Agenda are: Increase Funding for Key Programs […] The post Institute for Educational Leadership 119th Congress Federal Policy Agenda appeared first on Inst...| Institute for Educational Leadership
What’s Happening in Washington *Please note: This update may not include all the changes currently happening in the federal government. Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy for the month of May, and what lies ahead. The U.S. Congress Appropriations Season Continues: The U.S. House of Representatives passed its Reconciliation Bill for FY25 in […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
May 13, 2025, Washington, DC – The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) announces the launch of a National Action Commission, a new national collaborative designed to improve schools and communities by lifting up hyperlocal solutions and building systemic change, such as place-based, Community Schools, and whole-child strategies. IEL is uniquely positioned to lead the Commission […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
What’s Happening in Washington *Please note: This update may not include all the changes currently happening in the federal government. Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy for the month of April, and what lies ahead. The U.S. Congress: The Season of Appropriations: The U.S. House and Senate are now working to reconcile differences […] The post April 2025 Policy Update appeared first on Institute for Educational Leadership.| Institute for Educational Leadership
Washington, DC – April 23, 2025 IEL congratulates our own Chief Programs Officer Kwesi Rollins for being the recipient of this year’s Jocelyn Graves Award from our partners at Parent Teacher Home Visits (PTHV). We are thrilled that our longest-serving staff member has been recognized for his decades of work in support of family and […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
April 4, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – This week, the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) remembers one of our Washington, D.C. EPFP Alumni, Maurice R. Sykes, who passed away earlier this week. Maurice dedicated much of his life to early childhood education, not just in our Nation’s Capital but across the country. As noted in his […] The post IEL Honors Legacy of EPFP Alumni Maurice R. Sykes appeared first on Institute for Educational Leadership.| Institute for Educational Leadership
April 2, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) — The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is honored to share that Dr. Jane Quinn, an esteemed social and youth worker with over five decades of experience, has joined IEL as a Senior Fellow to support our work with Full-Service Community Schools grantees. Jane will work with IEL’s regional director, […] The post Institute for Educational Leadership Announces Jane Quinn as Senior Fellow appeared first on Institute for Educational Leadership.| Institute for Educational Leadership
March 31, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) — The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is honored to share that Dr. Bernadine Futrell, a fierce community champion and education advocate, has joined IEL as a Senior Fellow to support our work in helping IEL scale solutions that address essential questions to drive systemic change. Most recently serving in […] The post Institute for Educational Leadership Announces Dr. Bernadine Futrell as Senior Fellow appeared first on Institute for Educatio...| Institute for Educational Leadership
What’s Happening in Washington *Please note: This update may not include all the changes currently happening in the federal government. Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy for the month of March, and what lies ahead. The U.S. Department of Education: On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order (EO), Improving Education Outcomes […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
Washington, D.C. – March 20, 2025 President Trump signed Executive Order Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities on March 20, 2025, aimed at significantly reducing the U.S. Department of Education (ED). This Executive Action is in keeping with President Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate the federal Department of Education and resembles the […] The post IEL Statement Regarding the Signing of Executive Order to Dismantle the U.S. Department of...| Institute for Educational Leadership
On Friday evening, the Senate passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government until September 30th. In a 54-46 vote, the Senate passed the House Republican-led bill, which increased defense funding by $6 billion but cut nondefense spending by $13 billion. President Trump is expected to sign the bill, thus keeping the government open […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
February 26, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) — The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is excited to share the appointments of Dr. Keenan King and Reverend Vanessa Oliver Ward to our Board of Directors. Keenan’s direct connection to schools and districts and his support of the Community Schools strategy make him a crucial addition to our Board, […] The post Institute for Educational Leadership Announces New Board Members: Dr. Keenan King of Kent School Services Network and Reverend Vanes...| Institute for Educational Leadership
The latest news, views, & tools in federal education policy What’s Happening in Washington 🏛 *Please note: This update may not include all the changes currently happening in the federal government. Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy in February, and what lies ahead. The U.S. Department of Education: The Senate confirmation hearing of […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
By Eddie Koen, IEL President After each transfer of power in our country, it’s easy to focus on the political divides that dominate headlines – especially today. But beyond the partisan battles lies a quieter, more profound truth: the future of our communities isn’t shaped in Washington or state capitals—it’s shaped in our neighborhoods, schools, […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
What’s Happening in Washington The latest news, views, & tools in federal education policy *Please note: This update may not include all the changes currently happening in the federal government. The 119th Congress: Congress is officially in session. In the U.S. Senate, the new Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (H.E.L.P.) Committee Chair is Senator Bill […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
What’s Happening in Washington A summary of recent federal policy actions and a look ahead to the coming weeks Here’s what’s been happening in federal education policy over November and December, and what’s in store as we wrap up the year. Closing Out the 118th Congress & Government Funding: The current government funding ends later this […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a remarkable year of progress, resilience, and impact at the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL). Together, we’ve continued to champion better education systems and uplift youth, families, and communities across the nation. Your support has been integral to advancing our mission, and I am excited to […] The post End-of-Year Message from Eddie Koen, IEL President appeared first on Institute for Educational Leadership.| Institute for Educational Leadership
November 6, 2024 Dear IEL Community: Now that the 2024 Presidential Election has come to a close, we look toward the future and will continue to pursue excellence in educational opportunity and equity in the new Trump Administration. We anticipate the following policy priorities over the next four years: President-Elect Trump’s vision for education is […]| Institute for Educational Leadership
Policy by the People Agenda Summary of federal policy action this past month and a look-ahead to the next few weeks/month Congress Continues to Work to Avoid Government Shutdown: On February 28th, Congress returned to Washington to pass a short-term spending bill to keep the government operating per a continuing resolution passed earlier in the […]| Institute for Educational Leadership