FaithActs for Education

Overview
FaithActs for Education is a nonprofit organization based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, founded in October 2014 by a group of local pastors led by Pastor William McCullough. The organization is committed to advocating for educational equity and improving educational outcomes for children, particularly those from Black and low-income communities. FaithActs operates as Connecticut's only Black-led education advocacy organization, focusing on community organizing, civic engagement, and grassroots advocacy to secure better educational opportunities for all children.

Mission and Vision
FaithActs for Education operates on the principle that every child deserves the opportunity to graduate from college and fulfill their potential. The organization seeks to empower communities of faith to demand a seat at the table regarding educational reforms, addressing barriers imposed by systemic inequities in education.

Key Activities and Achievements
FaithActs has made significant strides in advocating for educational reform in Bridgeport and beyond, including:

• Funding and Resources: Successfully secured millions of dollars in additional funding for Bridgeport Public Schools, advocating for state approval and funding for new schools of choice.

• Community Engagement: Mobilized local voters, turning out 840 participants in Bridgeport’s November 2018 election, and created a committed voting bloc to influence local and state elections.

• Advocacy for Equity: FaithActs works to eliminate educational disparities faced by Black, brown, and low-income students, striving to liberate them from systematic oppression and disenfranchisement.

• Expansion Plans: As part of an ambitious growth strategy, FaithActs aims to expand its grassroots organizing efforts into additional Connecticut cities, enhance its influence at the state level, and double its team size over the next few years.

Organizational Structure
FaithActs is structured as a grassroots organization, uniting members from various faith communities along with educators, parents, and advocates committed to educational equity. The organization maintains a focus on collaboration among its members to foster leadership and community participation in the educational advocacy process.

Conclusion
As a pivotal player in the landscape of educational advocacy in Connecticut, FaithActs for Education continues to strive for systemic change that enhances educational access and excellence for all children, reflecting its foundational belief that faith and community engagement are essential to achieving justice in education.