Since our creation in 1989, the Jacobs Foundation has been dedicated to improving education for children around the world. Our global programs seek innovative ways to achieve lasting, positive change in education, based on research and evidence.
Our work
Global programs
Featured programs
Global
Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship Program
Our global fellowship program is for researchers whose work is dedicated to improving children’s learning and development.
Global
The LEarning VAriability NeTwork Exchange (LEVANTE)
LEVANTE is an ambitious project designed to coordinate data collection by research teams on children’s learning variability within and across individuals, groups, and cultures.
Global
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize acknowledges exceptional researchers making significant contributions to learning and development, or improving the living conditions of children and youth.
All global programs
Global
Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship Program
Our global fellowship program is for researchers whose work is dedicated to improving children’s learning and development.
Global
The LEarning VAriability NeTwork Exchange (LEVANTE)
LEVANTE is an ambitious project designed to coordinate data collection by research teams on children’s learning variability within and across individuals, groups, and cultures.
Global
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize acknowledges exceptional researchers making significant contributions to learning and development, or improving the living conditions of children and youth.
Global
Jacobs Foundation Conference and Young Scholars
We hold a three-day event every two years to present and produce cutting-edge findings about child and youth development and learning.
Global
Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development
Jacobs Center research focuses on the transition from childhood to adolescence and then to adulthood.
Global
LEARN (Leverage, Empower, Advance, Research, Network)
LEARN strengthens scientific capacity in Ghana and Colombia, equipping researchers with advanced training, mentorship, and global networks to drive impactful studies on child development, learning, and education.
Global
Research centers improve the use of EdTech and AI
We fund two research centers to improve the design and use of artificial intelligence (AI) and new technology products in schools.
Global
IFFEd (International Financing Facility for Education)
IFFEd strengthens global education financing by integrating evidence-based solutions to unlock billions in funding for effective interventions, improving outcomes for children worldwide.
Global
Interdisciplinary Educational Research (CIDER)
We are a major supporter of the College for Interdisciplinary Educational Research (CIDER), which works to improve interdisciplinary cooperation in educational research.
Global
Learning EdTech Impact Funds (LEIF)
We aim to bridge the divide between science and industry, ensuring that robust evidence drives the development, use, and evaluation of EdTech.
Global
Impact-Linked Fund for Education (ILFE)
We target high-impact enterprises improving learning outcomes for children and youth in West Africa and MENA (Middle East and North Africa).
Partner with us
We work with a network of partners to seek innovative ways to promote children’s learning and development.
Past programs
Global
Leveraging Evidence for Action to Promote Change (LEAP)
Education organizations receive support from researchers or social entrepreneurs who are experts on topics they need assistance with in 12-week project “sprints”.
Global
Learning Sciences Exchange Fellowship (LSX)
Fellows from research, journalism, entertainement, entrepreneurship, and education come together to learn from each other and collaborate on key issues in the learning sciences.
Global
Coalitions for evidence inspired action
We link researchers, social entrepreneurs, and institutions to identify and strengthen solutions that effectively address children’s individual learning needs and support them to reach their full potential.
Country programs
Country
Colombia program
Our work in Colombia focuses on narrowing the large learning gaps in foundational skills and socioemotional learning on a national and regional level.
Country
Côte d’Ivoire program
Our program in Côte d’Ivoire enhances education quality, supports teachers, infrastructure, policies, and a funding facility for 4M children.
Country
Ghana program
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Ghana we are supporting the provision of quality education.
Country
Switzerland program
We are trying to bridge the gap between evidence, policy, and practice, to ensure all children in Switzerland thrive in an increasingly digital world.