Partners in Closing the Gap in California

California Department of Education

The mission of the California Department of Education, led by Superintendent Jack O'Connell, is to provide leadership, assistance, oversight, and resources so that every Californian has access to an education that meets world-class standards. Its vision is to create a dynamic, world-class education system that equips all students with the knowledge and skills to excel in college and careers, and excel as parents and citizens.

WestEd

WestEd is a nonprofit research, development, and service agency headquartered in San Francisco. In 16 offices across the country, WestEd works with education and other communities to promote excellence, achieve equity, and improve learning for children, youth, and adults.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life.