The network has mobilized
$21M+
across
15
projects
since the beginning of 2019
Recent Investments
Occupational Identity
An initiative funding postdoctoral fellows of color to research occupational identity for one year.
Amount Funded
$2,200,000
Funders
Our Theory of Change
Our Process
OPeN brings together participants to design, validate, and fund solutions to critical challenges, in a process we call an “Innovation Cycle”
How Philanthropy Can Help
In order to create a healthier marketplace with more equitable access to opportunities, philanthropy should focus on four levers of change
CAPITAL
Provide entrepreneurs with catalytic funding by creating pooled, stage-gated capital, along with investments in program-scaling infrastructure
FINANCE
Introduce new financing mechanisms that shift risk away from learners and incentivize programs to focus on outcomes
DESIGN
Support R&D and insight sharing across program providers and funders to inform program and business model improvements
INFRASTRUCTURE
Create systems that allow schools, postsecondary providers, companies, and nonprofits to exchange data securely and sustainably
“
The path to economic mobility and meaningful jobs starts with a great K-12 education. That is why it is critical we work with higher education and workforce partners to break down the barriers between education and work, and establish new pathways for children, communities and cities to thrive.
—Marc Sternberg, Walton Family Foundation
”
“
Equitable access to opportunity will not be possible until we address misconceptions, racial bias, racism, and stereotypes and move to action guided by shared values, history, systemic solutions, racial equity, and human dignity.
-Ryan Rippel, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
”
The Opportunity Pathways Network (OPeN) is a group of experts and funders redesigning education and workforce pathways so that all people, regardless of race or creed, can achieve economic stability