University of Chicago Receives $25 Million for Public School Research and Resources

Introduction to the Gift

The University of Chicago received $25 million to support research and advance resources for K-12 education. This significant gift is aimed at funding research, providing scholarships to doctoral students, and supporting the training of social workers, all with the ultimate goal of transforming schools and increasing student achievement.

Allocation of the Funding

The funding will be directed to the university’s Urban Educational Institute within the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice. This allocation underscores the importance of integrating social work, policy, and practice in educational settings to create a holistic approach to improving educational outcomes.

The Donors

U. of C. Trustee Steven Kersten and his wife, Priscilla Kersten, a member of the Crown Family School Advisory Council, made the $25 million commitment to the institute. In recognition of their generosity, the institute will now be renamed to the Kersten Institute for Urban Education.

Impact of the Gift

“This gift will drive change that will make an impact among children everywhere, who deserve a quality education to prepare them for healthy, productive lives and careers,” Deborah Gorman-Smith, dean of the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, said in a statement. The funding commitment will support specific research initiatives and cross-disciplinary research into education, bringing scholars from across disciplines together to develop and test teaching and program strategies.

Research and Faculty Positions

The university plans to use the funding to create three additional endowed faculty positions. This move is expected to attract and retain top talent in the field, further enhancing the institute’s research capabilities and its ability to inform and improve educational practices.

The Kerstens’ History of Giving

The Kerstens have a history of generous donations to the university, with contributions totaling over $24 million to various initiatives. These include funding for the physical sciences division, the college’s Odyssey Scholarship Fund, and a previous $10 million gift to the institute in 2014. Their ongoing support demonstrates a deep commitment to the mission of the University of Chicago and its role in advancing knowledge and improving society.

Conclusion

The $25 million gift to the University of Chicago for public school research and resources marks a significant investment in the future of education. By supporting research, scholarships, and social worker training, the Kersten Institute for Urban Education is poised to make a lasting impact on educational outcomes and the lives of students. This commitment to education reflects the university’s dedication to addressing some of the most pressing challenges in education today.

FAQs

• Q: How much did the University of Chicago receive for public school research and resources?
  • A: The University of Chicago received $25 million.
• Q: Who made the $25 million commitment?
  • A: U. of C. Trustee Steven Kersten and his wife, Priscilla Kersten.
• Q: What will the funding be used for?
  • A: The funding will be used for research, scholarships to doctoral students, and the training of social workers, as well as creating three additional endowed faculty positions.
• Q: How will the gift impact the university?
  • A: The gift will drive change by supporting research initiatives, cross-disciplinary research, and the development of new teaching and program strategies, ultimately aiming to transform schools and increase student achievement.
• Q: What is the significance of the Kerstens’ donation?
  • A: The Kerstens’ donation is significant not only because of its amount but also because of their history of supporting the university, demonstrating a deep commitment to its mission and the advancement of education.