Our work

How we work

At the Jacobs Foundation, we build partnerships with researchers, policymakers, and education stakeholders to drive evidence-based solutions that improve learning outcomes globally, focusing on both international and local impact through our global and country programs.

Section Image
Our partnerships

Our work is centered around partnerships. We collaborate with researchers, policymakers, and education stakeholders to generate and apply evidence that improves learning outcomes worldwide. By furthering connections between research and practice, we help shape education systems that are more effective, equitable, and informed by data. Previously, our efforts were structured into three portfolios: Learning Minds, Learning Schools, and Learning Societies which were focused on research, practitioners, and policy, respectively. Moving forward, we are concentrating on global programs and country programs, ensuring that knowledge and evidence drive impact at both international and local levels.

Children sitting around a classroom table gibing each other a big high five
Global programs

At the Jacobs Foundation, our global programs aim to advance knowledge and promote evidence-based practices in education, focusing on how individual differences affect children’s learning. We support cutting-edge research initiatives and foster collaboration across disciplines to explore how various factors influence learning. Our programs, such as the Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowships, LEVANTE, and LEARN, drive impactful research and support emerging scholars. We also work to align evidence frameworks with education policies through projects like ENJOY and IFFEd, ensuring that educational investments are guided by high-quality research. Through these efforts, we help shape effective educational policies, practices, and funding strategies to support children’s success worldwide.

Section Image
Country programs

Our country programs focus on enhancing the use of evidence in education policy and practice to improve learning outcomes for children. Operating in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Colombia, and Switzerland, we tailor our approach to each country’s unique context while aligning with our mission of evidence-based interventions. We use three main mechanisms: EdLabs, which translate research into practical solutions; Communities of Change, which foster collaboration among local actors; and Co-funding Mechanisms, which leverage public and private sector resources. Our programs work to strengthen education systems, improve access, and ensure that interventions are informed by high-quality data to create lasting improvements in children’s learning and education.

Partner with us

We work with a network of partners to seek innovative ways to promote children’s learning and development.