Democracy relies on education—both to facilitate informed public deliberation and to fortify the belief in a more prosperous future that every successful democracy needs to thrive. Public Agenda supports people and organizations working toward equitable, inclusive educational institutions that feed democracy.
The United States has never had an educational system that fully meets the requirements of justice and democracy, but we are currently moving farther away from it. Americans have lost confidence in higher education as a realistic pathway for career and livelihood advancement. Public Agenda investigates the views of ordinary Americans and the impact of policies and shares our insights with advocates, institutional leaders, and policymakers working to improve education at every level.
The Pennsylvania Education Equity Project
Public Agenda is excited to announce our new project focused on research into Culturally Sustaining and Relevant education. Learn more here.
Research & Reports
Report
Who Gets to Learn Illinoisans’ Views on Public Higher Education
Education
Rebecca Silliman, Cruz Fox, and Sarah Bryner 2025 Illinois institutions of higher education face an impending funding crisis Despite recent gains in...
Report
Pursuing Excellence: Chicagoans’ Views on their Public Schools
Education
By Rebecca Silliman and David Schleifer 2024 Chicago Public Schools (CPS)—like many school districts—faces challenges These include declining...
Guides & Toolkits
Pennsylvania Education Equity Project Grant Application FAQ
Education
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Eligibility Criteria Questions Who is eligible to apply for a Pennsylvania Education Equity Project grant Grants are open...
