Chalkbeat

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to one of the most crucial issues in the United States: improving educational opportunities for all children, particularly those who have historically been denied access to quality education. Our mission is clear: we believe every child deserves an excellent education, and a robust press is essential to making this a reality. At the same time, we maintain our independence and do not endorse any specific approach to achieving educational equity. We focus on local communities, as education is fundamentally a local matter. Currently, we provide coverage in seven locations: Chicago, Colorado, Detroit, Indiana, Newark, New York, and Tennessee. If you're interested in having Chalkbeat expand to your community, we’d love to hear from you. You can learn more about our background and mission here. As a nonprofit, Chalkbeat thrives on support from various sources, including sponsors who invest in sharing their messages with our audience and donors who share our vision. In an era when many local news outlets are declining, leading to “news deserts,” Chalkbeat is committed to creating a sustainable model that is local, meaningful, and independent. At Chalkbeat, we prioritize: 1. **One essential story**: We believe every child should have access to a quality education that prepares them for civic responsibilities and economic opportunities. Our passion drives us to explore and share the complex and important narratives about education in America. 2. **Power in independence**: Our strength as journalists comes from our ability to tell comprehensive stories without being influenced by profit motives, ideologies, or advocacy. We aim to present the most accurate account and make a significant impact by not aligning with any set agenda for improving schools. Our business model is designed to protect our independence. 3. **Going local**: We don’t just cover the news; we immerse ourselves in the communities we report on. We build connections with local readers and consider local figures and institutions just as significant as national leaders because they play crucial roles in education. 4. **Impact**: We believe that merely writing stories isn’t enough. Our mission is to ensure that the truth reaches as many people as possible at critical moments. We strive to make stories engaging and relevant so that readers can participate in informed discussions and actions. 5. **Openness and diversity**: We focus on the stories of those who have historically been excluded from quality education. By amplifying their voices, we aim to empower these individuals. Our success relies on ensuring our team and our reporting reflect the communities we