Southern Education Foundation Inc

Founded in 1867 as the George Peabody Education Fund to bring education to the newly emancipated population of Blacks in the South along with poor Whites following the Civil War, the Southern Education Foundation (SEF) brings a sense of history and cutting-edge perspective to its work. SEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia and supported by partners and donors committed to advancing equitable education policies and practices that elevate learning for students from low-income families and students of color in the southern states. Our work is achieved through analyzing and amplifying promising ideas through research, advocacy, and leadership development. We develop and disseminate research-based solutions for policymakers and grow the capacity of education leaders and influencers to create systemic change within K-12 and post-secondary education.

The mission of Southern Education Foundation has been to advance equitable education practices and policies in the South through research, advocacy, and leadership development that will result in every student regardless of background attaining a high-quality education that propels them toward the opportunity-rich life they deserve. Our vision is to achieve education equity in the South for all students of color and those from low-income families by ensuring all have access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed. To pursue our mission and vision, SEF employs a high-grade education research operation, a strong advocacy government relations effort, and a world-class leadership development program. To learn more about what we do, visit: https://www.southerneducation.org/what-we-do/.