RICHMOND, CA — Richmond-based nonprofit The Practice Space announced today it will join a distinguished national cohort of innovators developing breakthrough learning solutions to improve equity in education, funded by NewSchools Venture Fund. This collaboration will make it possible for The Practice Space to launch and expand a full-year, project-based, speech and debate curriculum and teacher coaching services to support English Learners in high schools.
AnnMarie Baines, Founder of The Practice Space and daughter of an immigrant herself, states, “English Learners have amazing stories and experiences and too often feel like imposters in today’s high schools. We are deeply honored to work alongside incredible high school educators to provide more oral literacy opportunities and culturally-affirming experiences that honor their voices.”
Zach Porter, a Kennedy High School teacher who piloted the program, notes, “The project-based approach helped my students go from whispering at desk level to wanting to make their podcasts public. The authenticity really helped student engagement.”
Since 2017, The Practice Space has provided direct service after-school speech and debate programs to students in grades K-12, building confident oral communication skills through inclusive experiences that help students feel a sense of belonging and safety. This program represents an essential piece of their growth plan to support students during the school year through curriculum and coaching for teachers, in addition to expanding their after-school programs.
Mary Ann Lafosse, an administrator from West Contra Costa Unified School District, a long-time partner of The Practice Space, says, “Who is speaking and who is silent in classrooms? Public speaking provides an inclusive space to build equity and joy for all students, particularly those who are underheard. The Practice Space is uniquely equipped to help students at any school thrive and achieve.”
The innovators in the NewSchools Learning Solutions portfolio are developing tools and solutions to power student success, including literacy and math solutions to accelerate academic and social-emotional outcomes and whole-school models that create a more cohesive and effective experience for students and educators alike.
In addition to the financial support, The Practice Space will benefit from NewSchools’ expertise, resources, and influential network. This partnership will make it possible for The Practice Space to bring on another senior team member and invite more high schools and districts to join a cohort of educators who are dedicated to innovative approaches to advancing youth voice.
About The Practice Space:
The Practice Space is an award-winning Bay Area nonprofit organization which supports young people and adults in developing authentic, clear, and engaging voices through speech and debate. Their coaching and curriculum work helps elevate underrepresented voices through public speaking education, advancing inclusion and ultimately creating a more equitable and connected world. Learn more at practice-space.org.
About NewSchools
NewSchools is a venture philanthropy that builds a better education system by connecting people, resources, and ideas. They bridge the gap between those with capital and those with the courage to put that capital to work on the frontlines of education. They believe that philanthropy can advance education in a more equitable, collaborative, and courageous way — and we’re proving it every day. Learn more at newschools.org.
