Catalyze New Models
Reimagining the public high school experience across New England.
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About the Strategy
We support school and system leaders working with their communities to envision schools of excellence and equity, and to plan and make transformative change.​
In partnership with school and community leaders, nonprofits, researchers, and others, we work to nurture high schools that provide high-quality learning experiences to all students. Such experiences are challenging, full of purpose, and joy. Students thrive in these schools and graduate equipped to choose and pursue fulfilling paths for their future.​
While the particulars of each transformed high school are as varied as the communities where they exist, all share four critical elements:Â
- An unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levelsÂ
- Challenging and meaningful learning experiences for all students
- Customized, varied, student supports all can access
- Data practices that measure what matters and inform strategies to better serve all students.
Grantmaking Priorities
Our grantmaking focuses on multiple aspects of the school transformation process, including to:
- Connect & understand with opportunities, like school visits or convenings, for learning and inspiration about the possibilities.
- Design & plan high schools centered on students' strengths, interests, needs, and promise.
- Launch and continuously evolve new high school models that enable all students to discover and actualize their unbounded potential.
- Amplify insights and bright spots from our partners, and support new research to advance new ideas about creating high schools of excellence and equity.
Catalyze New Models Grantees
Learn more about our Catalyze New Models grants and grantee partners.
News
The Importance of Candid Feedback
Blog Post
Barr’s VP of Strategy and Programs on why we seek (and share) grantee feedback on what it’s like to work with us.
The Next Phase of Barr’s Racial Wealth Equity Initiative
Blog Post
Future grantmaking to focus on supporting partners advancing racial wealth equity through transforming systems, policy, and narratives
When Foundation Strategies Evolve
Blog PostBarr’s VP for strategy and programs talks about Barr’s approach to shaping and evolving strategy, centered on Barr’s values.
A Time to Be Steadfast
Blog Post
Five Questions with Barr's New VP of People and Talent
Barr NewsPam Jensen shares what led her to Barr, how a commitment to racial equity impacts HR, and advice for job seekers in the social sector.
Barr Awards $36.7 Million in Fourth Quarter Grants
Barr NewsNew grants will help develop a community gathering space in Dorchester; cultivate youth leadership in the climate movement; and support efforts to expand diversity of Massachusetts’ educator workforce.
Three Themes for Advancing Wealth Building and Racial Equity
Blog Post
A series of listening sessions with leaders committed to building wealth highlight the importance of resilience, opportunity, and systems change.
Three New Community Foundations Join “Creative Commonwealth” Partnership – Cambridge, Greater Lowell, and MetroWest
Blog Post
Expanded initiative now includes eight community foundations. Next three years to feature new and deepened investments, experiments, and learning to advance more equitable, vibrant, and sustainable arts and creativity in communities across Massachusetts.
Barr Staffing Updates
Barr NewsWelcoming new additions to the Barr team and acknowledging colleagues assuming new responsibilities.
Progress Report: Centering Racial Equity in Climate Grantmaking
Blog Post
Barr’s Climate Director shares the story and learnings behind our ongoing work to advance a more diverse, inclusive, and equity-centered climate movement.
Embracing Risk and Adapting to Change During the Pandemic
Blog Post
How at the height of the pandemic, a Berkshire County arts organization defied the odds, expanding its services for people with disabilities.
Barr Awards $32.7 Million in Third Quarter Grants
Barr NewsNew grants will assist superintendents with public engagement; support a transportation coalition pursuing a new vision; and activate community-based arts and economic activity in Massachusetts Gateway Cities.
A Strategy Refresh for Barr’s Mobility Work
Blog Post
A next evolution to advance equitable solutions for transportation, community planning, and development in Massachusetts.
New Englanders Welcome the Clean Energy Transition
Blog Post
Recent focus groups underscore widespread enthusiasm for clean energy and urgency for electrification in New England
Little Amal Walks Across Massachusetts
Blog PostA powerful fusion of theater and public art brings together communities to raise awareness for local and global issues
“Helping people achieve things they didn’t think were possible”
Blog Post
Meet the Catalyze New Models Team
Dylan Everett
Program Associate, Education
Manjula Karamcheti
she/her
Program Officer, Education
Jenny Curtin
Director of Education