View the Official Press Release
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, May 18, 2023
Erikson Institute has announced an $8 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. In keeping with MacKenzie Scott’s charitable vision of advancing opportunities for people in underinvested and underserved communities, the funds associated with this transformational gift will fuel Erikson’s mission of building equitable and just futures for young children, their families, and communities. The gift is a testament to the vision and work of Erikson Institute, under the leadership of President Mariana Souto-Manning, Ph.D.
“Erikson Institute is incredibly grateful to MacKenzie Scott for this transformational gift,” said Souto-Manning. “With a keen focus on equity and a firm resolve to work in the pursuit of justice, this investment will catalyze Erikson’s work to grow and diversify the early childhood workforce, create innovative academic programs that center equity and justice, expand access to early childhood mental health services, mobilize communities to dismantle systemic barriers to opportunities, and conduct cutting-edge research.
“For more than 55 years, Erikson has supported families, professionals, and policy makers; those who do society’s most important work—caring for and educating young children, who are our nation’s future. We work to interrupt systemic bias by centering equity and justice into all we do—from our organizational values to our programs and services. Our vision is to cultivate and sustain a just world; a world where every child’s brilliance shines, and where reaching their full potential is a right, not a privilege,” Souto-Manning said.
Erikson Institute educates, inspires, and promotes leadership in the service of children and families. We are a premier graduate school dedicated to child development, and offering degrees in Child Development, Child Life, Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, and Social Work. We provide direct services to our community’s children and families. We are leaders in influencing early childhood policy. We work tirelessly every day so that all children can achieve optimal educational, social, emotional, and physical well-being. At Erikson Institute, we know that investing in the early years of children will last a lifetime. Learn more at www.erikson.edu
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