Build an exceptional public education system that empowers every student to achieve their full potential.

Help local school boards lead with vision, act with accountability, and maintain a focus on student success.

The Opportunity:

Together we can build the nation’s best public education system.

Two young children in lab coats conducting a science experiment with test tubes and a microscope.
Child drawing with colored pencils, wearing a red and white plaid shirt, sitting at a wooden table.
Girl with glasses holding books on head
Young boy sitting at a desk high-fiving teacher, open notebook on desk, classroom setting, another student working in background.

Current outcomes are not reflective of students’ potential.

Delaware is currently ranked among bottom 10% of all states for reading and math in grades four and eight. 

33% of students meet state standards for math. 40% of students meet the standards in English Language Arts.


State spending per student is as high as $30,000 and above the national median.

Delaware is one of a few remaining states using a “unit funding” formula instead of a student-based formula. 

Two children painting on a canvas in a room with wooden shelves, with a boy pointing and a girl holding a paintbrush.
Group of children sitting at a table, writing in notebooks, smiling, and holding pencils.

THE SOLUTION 

Building a stronger education system requires everyone’s commitment. When we each play our part, we can drive the meaningful changes that matter most – and act now. 

First State Educate empowers the public, school boards, and educators with a shared goal:

ensuring student outcomes improve for every student.

Two smiling girls against a bright yellow background. The older girl is wearing a white dress with tie straps, holding a white purse. The younger girl is in a blue polka dot dress.
Apple on books with colored pencils and ABC blocks on a table.

Local school boards must make strategic, equitable decisions to ensure every child receives the resources required to succeed.

What We Do 


Build Networks

Train families and communities to engage school boards.

Disseminate Information

Provide training and resources to current and prospective schoool board members

Incubate Solutions

Support school boards and district leadership iniaitives.

More Ways to Engage


White magnifying glass icon with swirl on black background
Icon of three people silhouettes
Icon of a white megaphone with sound waves on a black background.
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Group of smiling school children with backpacks lined up outdoors

ABOUT FIRST STATE EDUCATE

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower school boards to work collaboratively with the community and partners across the state, driving meaningful improvements in our education system for the benefit of all students.

Our Vision

A Delaware education prepares all kids for a productive, fulfilling life.

Our Values

We values equity, collaboration, and community-driven change to empower school boards and build a brighter future for every student.

SHOW UP.

ACT TOGETHER.

SPEAK UP.

WE EMPOWER.
We empower people with the information that matters to them - information that is hard to find and hard to understand.

WE EMBOLDEN.
We embolden people in political office to make tough decisions around long-standing inequities.

WE ORGANIZE.
We organize people with tools and networks to build power and sustain change.

WE INVEST.
We invest in people who tackle problems in innovative ways.