The Decision Education Foundation

The Decision Education Foundation (DEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States. It focuses on empowering young people with effective decision skills to improve their lives and contribute positively to society.

Mission

The mission of DEF is to enhance the lives of young individuals by equipping them with the skills necessary for making informed decisions. This approach emphasizes teaching how to decide rather than what to decide, aiming to promote better life outcomes and a stronger society.

Activities and Programs

DEF engages in several key activities:

• Training and Curriculum Development: They develop classroom materials and train educators to integrate decision education into school curricula.
• Partnerships: DEF collaborates with youth-focused organizations and schools, primarily working with high school students.
• StrongStart Program: Specifically designed for incoming high school freshmen, this program helps students navigate social, academic, and extracurricular challenges by building decision-making skills.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by a board of directors consisting of experts in decision science and education, including notable figures from various educational and professional backgrounds. Key members include leaders from institutions like Stanford University and Amazon.

History and Impact

Founded in 2001, DEF has established itself as a leader in decision education. Over the years, it has successfully demonstrated that students can learn core decision science principles, which educators recognize as valuable for academic and personal development.

Funding and Support

DEF is significantly funded by private donations. It encourages support through volunteering, advocating, and donating to further expand its reach and ensure continuous commitment to decision education. The Ronald A. Howard Endowment for Decision Education is an initiative to ensure ongoing funding for these programs.