Michelson 20MM Foundation Inc

The Michelson 20MM Foundation Inc is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equity for historically underrepresented and underserved communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities.

Mission

The foundation aims to ensure that higher education and workforce development opportunities are available to all, addressing structural barriers that hinder socio-economic progress. This mission is supported through several key verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER).

History

Established in 2012, the Michelson 20MM Foundation is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network, co-chaired and funded by Dr. Gary K. Michelson and Alya Michelson.

Programs

Digital Equity

The foundation works to close the digital divide by ensuring that all communities have access to broadband, thereby promoting full participation in society, democracy, and the economy.

Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property

This initiative seeks to democratize intellectual property education, empowering students, educators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and creators with the knowledge necessary for leveraging intellectual property for social justice and wealth creation.

Smart Justice

The program supports rehabilitative models that reduce recidivism and facilitate successful re-entry into society by enhancing access to postsecondary education and economic opportunities both within and outside prisons.

Student Basic Needs

It addresses the real cost of higher education by focusing on non-tuition expenses such as food and housing insecurity, which often impact vulnerable students.

Open Educational Resources

The foundation advocates for the widespread adoption of OER to eliminate the cost of learning materials as a barrier to student success.

Michelson Impact Ventures

This social change fund invests in for-profit startups across sectors like education, future of work, digital health, petcare, veterinary care, and the future of food. A significant portion of its portfolio includes companies with diverse founders.

Impact

The Michelson 20MM Foundation has made significant contributions through initiatives such as the Digital Equity Pooled Fund, supporting California's Zero-Textbook-Cost efforts, and convening the Smart Justice Think Tank. It also emphasizes the importance of supporting student parents and expanding access to higher education for all.