US Chamber of Commerce

In July 2009, the Obama administration announced the Early Learning Challenge Grant proposal. States would be given the opportunity to develop effective and innovative early childhood education models that promote high-quality standards and a focus on outcomes. Ten billion dollars over ten years has been dedicated toward this effort.

President Obama's administration is not alone in this endeavor. Across the nation, the business community is making its voice heard in support of strategic investments in young children. The people who facilitate the work of business leaders are located in many places - chambers of commerce, business roundtables, economic development organizations, and industry membership organizations. They have common challenges, but geographic and organizational differences limit their ability to share experiences and to learn from each other. ICW is working with the Partnership for America's Economic Success and others to get you the information you need.

The Partnership's National Economic Forum on Early Childhood Investment, which takes place the evening of March 10 and during the day March 11 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, is holding a meeting for business leaders, policy makers, scholars, and early childhood advocates to network and learn about the Administration's proposals as well as the latest research and smart investments in young children.

In addition to this meeting, there is an opportunity to participate in a one-day seminar for staff whose responsibilities include helping business leaders become champions for early childhood policy change. This invitation-only event will be held March 10, 2010, in Washington, D.C., and there is no registration fee. To nominate someone for participation in this workshop, please contact Rob Krupicka at krupicka@pewtrusts.org.