Priscilla Chan of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and recording artist Common (Photo Courtesy of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative).
Over 1,300 educators gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Chicago for the annual Gradient Learning, Whole Student Together Summer Training 2024.
The event featured Chicago native Common, the Academy, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winning artist who is also an actor, author, activist and founder of the Arts In Motion School and Free to Dream Foundation.
He was joined by Priscilla Chan, co-founder and co-CEO of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. This empowering event honored educators, celebrated the achievements of their students and mentors and highlighted the successes of Common’s and Priscilla’s initiatives.
Common and Chan shared many profound moments, reflecting on the importance of youth thriving.
Priscilla recounted her journey, starting at 19, when she was responsible for several young students, assisting them with homework and motivating them to succeed. When one of her students stopped attending, she searched for and found the student.
She realized the importance of acting on feelings of concern and showing up for youth, reminding them they are not alone.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative leverages AI through Render, an innovation studio led by Chan and her team. The goal of Render is to develop impactful tech applications that solve real classroom challenges.
“Render co-builds education technology with teachers and school leaders…because we believe educators should help shape the products used in schools,” said the CZI Team.
Raised by an educator mother, Common had the importance of learning ingrained from a young age. His extensive reading and writing shaped his ability to create music that entertains, inspires, encourages and catalyzes movements.
Growing up in Chicago, Common witnessed educational and community development disparities firsthand. He committed to shifting the trajectory of youth, rising to the occasion whenever possible. Through the AIM school and the Free to Dream Foundation, Common empowers high school students from underserved communities to become future leaders, focusing on character development, healthy living, financial literacy, social impact, technology and leadership.
Gradient Learning adopts the “whole student together” principle to increase “Whole Student Learning.” The customized platform makes learning more accessible and rewarding for students, providing knowledge in a digestible way tailored to individual learning needs. Gradient Learning fosters a vibrant community of educators nationwide, creating collaborative spaces, problem-solving with peers and coaches and developing actionable and aspirational visions for their campuses.
With education, mentorship and empowerment at the core of Common and Priscilla’s work, Gradient thrives in many school districts. Partnership is key to success, and Common and Priscilla and their respective teams embrace the positive change it brings.
Regardless of community, every child needs the power to thrive and believe beyond their imagination. They need leaders who support and advocate for them, exactly what Priscilla and Common do through their partnerships and individual commitments.
About Post Author
