Why did The Pew Charitable Trusts focus on pre-kindergarten?
The Trusts believes that one effective way to invest its resources is by informing and advancing state and federal policies that benefit the public. There are many policy issues deserving of attention, but philanthropic dollars are limited, and deciding where to focus is a challenge. We begin to narrow the field by identifying important issues that also meet the following criteria: There is a clear goal toward which to work, That goal is supported by objective, high-quality research, The issue can generate broad support from the public, policymakers and a range of influential constituencies, and Measurable progress can be made toward the long-term goal in three to five years. After many years of experience in the environment, education, health and human services arenas, we have learned that advancing policy goals takes time; significant resources; rigorous, nonpartisan research; and sophisticated, focused public education campaigns. In 2001, the Trusts’ board determined that a multiyea
