Editor:

A recent column in your publication provided a skewed portrayal of The Colorado Education Initiative, or CEI. We would like your readers to have factual information about our organization.

CEI is an independent nonprofit that works in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, districts, schools, and other public education stakeholders to improve student outcomes in diverse communities across Colorado.

We are not an advocacy organization or a foundation. Our mission is not driven by any one local or national foundation, advocacy group, or organization.

Instead, we collaborate with educators statewide to incubate innovation, shine a spotlight on success, and invest in sustainable change that improves outcomes for all students. We pursue funding to advance this work on behalf of children — work that also reflects education priorities determined by the Colorado Legislature.

We work side-by-side with educators to create meaningful professional development that’s teacher-centered and teacher-led. We help create healthy schools. We increase access to high-quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education and rigorous Advanced Placement courses to close the equity gap.

All of this with a focus on our vision to ensure that every student in Colorado is prepared and unafraid to succeed in school, work, and life and is ready to take on the challenges of today, tomorrow, and beyond.

We invite you to visit www.coloradoedinitiative.org to learn more about CEI and the districts, schools, teachers, and students we serve.

Glenna NorvellePresident & CEOThe Colorado Education InitiativeDenver