Central to First Focus’ work is the belief that research and other forms of evidence are critical aspects of effective policymaking: As children cannot employ political power to move their policy issues, systematic advocacy efforts are even more critical to improve the lives of youth. First Focus will conduct three Capitol Hill briefings in 2024 with experts, advocates, government officials, and Congressional staff members to highlight research, including work by previous grantees, and introduce new policy proposals on education, mental health, poverty, and other pressing issues affecting children and families. First Focus will also conduct office visits with members of Congress and their staff to build relationships, raise awareness, and advance policy priorities. A candidate for the first briefing is what is being learned from statewide rollouts of ethnic study courses across contexts that vary in their receptivity to such courses. By supporting this work, the Foundation will leverage First Focus’ Congressional relationships to elevate research from former grantees and support the uptake of evidence by policymakers to improve the lives of children and youth.
This grant supports a series of policy briefings by First Focus on Children, a bipartisan advocacy organization working to center children in federal policy and budget decisions.
