What’s New

The Early Childhood Exchange (ECX) is a partnership between the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy, Strategies for Children, and the Massachusetts Early Childhood Policy Research Collaborative, working to bridge the gap between research and policymaking in early childhood. At a time when Massachusetts is making significant investments in young children and families, ECX provides state and local leaders with timely, actionable evidence to inform policy, implementation, and funding decisions. Learn more about their work to connect research, policy, and practice across the Commonwealth.

MassPotential brings together educators, policymakers, and advocates to advance evidence-based literacy policy throughout Massachusetts, working to ensure all students have the foundation they need to succeed. The organization leads the Mass Reads Coalition, a network of more than 40 groups pushing for stronger literacy instruction in schools across the Commonwealth. Learn more about MassPotential's efforts to close opportunity and achievement gaps in K-12 education across the Commonwealth.

The Rennie Center pairs research with on-the-ground practice to drive better outcomes for students across Massachusetts. Their annual Condition of Education (COE) in the Commonwealth report gives a clear view of the state of public education and a framework for improvement. Each year, the Rennie Center also brings that conversation to Western Massachusetts, convening educators, business leaders, and state officials to explore how research and innovation can strengthen local schools. Read the 2026 COE Action Guide and explore their data dashboard to see how Massachusetts schools are performing and what it will take to strengthen them.

Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts equips students with the financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness skills they need to thrive after high school. Through hands-on programs like the EnTEENpreneur Challenge, students gain real experience and exposure to career pathways in their own community. Watch this interview to hear more about the opportunities they are creating for young people in Western Massachusetts.

Innovate413 works to strengthen the Pioneer Valley's economy by supporting early-stage startups and the entrepreneurs behind them. Through structured training, pitch competitions, and events that connect founders with local investors and employers, the organization is helping build an innovation ecosystem rooted in Western Massachusetts. Learn more about Innovate413's work to grow a thriving entrepreneurial community in the region.

For young women in Hampden County navigating trauma, violence, and systemic barriers, Roca provides an intensive intervention model built on relentless outreach and one-on-one mentorship, connecting participants to mental health support, employment, and essential benefits. A recent independent evaluation by Tufts University found significant reductions in depression, domestic violence, and PTSD among participants. Read how Roca is helping highly-traumatized young women build safer, more stable lives.