In 2025, the Jacobs Foundation marked a pivotal year, collaborating with partners across research, government, and philanthropy to advance evidence-based strategies that strengthen learning systems and expand opportunities for children worldwide. The year highlighted the value of collaboration, innovation, and long-term commitment, laying the groundwork for continued efforts in 2026 to generate and apply evidence supporting every child’s learning and development.
One of the year’s major milestones was the launch of the System Change Architecture for Learning Excellence (SCALE) in Ghana. This national partnership, co-created with the Ministry of Education and supported by philanthropic, cocoa-sector, and multilateral partners, mobilized USD 118.8 million to expand proven educational approaches from the Ghana Accountability for Learning Outcomes Project (GALOP) to over 15,000 schools. SCALE represents a significant effort to strengthen Ghana’s education system through coordinated, large-scale interventions.
The Jacobs Foundation also expanded its global research network through LEVANTE, the Learning Variability Network Exchange. In 2025, six new research sites joined four original pilot sites, creating a ten-site network dedicated to understanding how children learn and develop across diverse contexts. By harmonizing data collection and methodologies, LEVANTE is building a collaborative evidence base that informs more inclusive and adaptive education systems, reflecting a growing global focus on research-driven education strategies.
This year, the Foundation celebrated surpassing CHF 1 billion in philanthropic giving, marking 36 years of supporting research, government initiatives, and practical interventions that strengthen learning systems and promote opportunities for all children. This milestone underscores the importance of strategic, flexible philanthropy in the context of evolving international education financing challenges.
The Jacobs Foundation continued to recognize excellence in early childhood development research. In November, Professor Hirokazu Yoshikawa was awarded the 2025 Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize for his influential work on how early parenting, education, and social policies can reduce inequality and strengthen lifelong learning.
Additionally, the Foundation launched the 2027–2029 Jacobs CIFAR Research Fellowship in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR). This program supports early- and mid-career scholars advancing knowledge on how children and youth learn across diverse contexts. The 2026–2028 cohort also commenced, reflecting a commitment to bridging evidence, policy, and practice, with applications for the next fellowship cohort open until 2 February 2026.
