Cambiar Thrive Unveils Innovative Grantees for Education Transformation
SAN DIEGO, March 31, 2026 – Cambiar Education, in collaboration with the Walton Family Foundation, Bezos Family Foundation, and Lemnis, has announced the recipients of its national "Big Ideas Challenge." This initiative focuses on mobilizing students and caregivers through data, promoting student success and overall wellbeing.
The Cambiar Thrive “Big Ideas Challenge” awards funding to 19 diverse grantees, each showcasing unique ideas aimed at bridging the information gap in education. A select group is also eligible for substantial follow-on funding exceeding $250,000, aimed at enhancing long-term impact and sustainability.
Empowering Students and Caregivers with Actionable Insights
The Thrive Challenge encompasses two primary tracks:
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Students: Equipping them with insights into their own academic data to drive meaningful outcomes.
- Parents and Caregivers: Providing scalable tools to help them better understand and support their children’s educational journeys.
Christina Heitz, CEO and Founder of Cambiar Education, emphasized the importance of information as a foundation for opportunity. “With this new cohort, we are moving beyond mere reporting to true student and caregiver ownership,” she stated. By delivering actionable insights, Cambiar Thrive seeks to bridge the information divide and foster a new era of student-led success.
Building on a Legacy of Impact
Following the success of the inaugural Thrive cohort, the latest investments allow grantees to connect with over 10 million families and students, making essential student data more accessible than ever. These initiatives have unveiled critical insights into the systemic needs within education and how they can be addressed effectively.
Derwin Sisnett, a Cambiar partner leading the Thrive program, noted, “When students understand and leverage their educational data, it enhances the learning experience and builds a sense of agency.” This, he explained, prepares them to adapt and thrive beyond the school environment.
Innovations in Educational Technology
The Thrive Challenge showcases a blend of cutting-edge technology and genuine human connection. The goal is to highlight that while data is crucial, human relationships play a pivotal role in the educational journey. The current cohort presents a diverse range of solutions that utilize technology to enrich, not replace, personal connections.
Featured Grantees and Their Solutions
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Family Engagement Lab: Their FASTalk tool fosters collaboration between families and teachers, using AI-driven personalization to deliver curriculum-aligned activities in various languages.
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Uprooted Academy: This platform employs AI technology to synchronize support between students, families, and counselors, ensuring critical information remains accessible during pivotal life decisions.
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Eedi Labs: Their diagnostic engine rapidly identifies and addresses common math misconceptions, facilitating family involvement in student progress.
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CAST: Partnering with ProjectSet and NextFlex, CAST offers work-based learning simulations in manufacturing and STEM, guiding students through viable career pathways.
- Emote Education: Their Care Copilot utilizes AI to transform insights into actionable guidance, empowering adults to support children’s educational success effectively.
Future Goals and Impact
Cambiar Thrive is set to publish key insights that will promote broader innovation, aiming to accelerate efforts to close the educational information gap. By combining technological advancements with a human-centered approach, the Challenge aims to uplift educational experiences for students and families nationwide.
To view the full list of Thrive Challenge grantees, click here.
For more details about Cambiar Education and its initiatives, visit Cambiar Education and explore their innovative approaches to transforming education.
This initiative represents a significant leap toward creating equitable education opportunities, emphasizing the critical need for actionable insights that empower both students and caregivers.
Media Contact:
Carla Punsalan McLoughlin
Email: [email protected]
