Advocates in Education Reform
All across Louisiana, citizens and organizations are working to improve PreK-12 education with the common goal of helping every child to reach his or her potential. The map below contains a listing of education reform advocates in each of the eight regions of the state. Together they comprise a strong voice speaking and working for education improvement.
Click on a region to find a list of advocates in that location.
365 Canal Street, Suite 2300
New Orleans, LA 70130
Fax Number: (504) 527-6970
Website: gnoinc.org
Mission/Initiatives: Greater New Orleans, Inc. is a regional economic development agency serving the 10-parish Greater New Orleans region.
3421 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 203
Metairie, LA 70002
Fax Number: (504) 835-3828
Mission/Initiatives: The Chamber's mission has remained constant – to work for the advancement of the business community; to enhance the economic, civic and cultural environment; and to improve the quality of life in Jefferson Parish.
1515 Poydras Street, 10th Floor , Suite 1010
New Orleans, LA 70112
Fax Number: (504) 799-4259
Mission/Initiatives: The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce offers a wide range of assistance, programs and resources to ensure that its members become and remain successful.
938 Lafayette Street, Suite 406 & 407
New Orleans, LA 70113
Fax Number: (504) 525-3148
Mission/Initiatives: The mission of the Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN) is to bring the full New Orleans community together for a respectful and informed dialogue about the future of public education in the city.
826 Ida Place, Suite B
New Orleans, LA 70119
Fax Number: (504) 309-9512
Mission/Initiatives: SOSNOLA is building and supporting a community of informed parents, residents and partner organizations to leverage their collective knowledge and influence toward ensuring equitable, excellent public schools for every child in New Orleans.
P.O. Box 792800
New Orleans, LA 70179
Fax Number: (504) 486-8020
Mission/Initiatives: Communities In Schools is the nation's leading organization focused on reducing dropout rates and improving graduation rates. The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Through a school-based coordinator, Communities In Schools connects students and their families to critical community resources, tailored to local needs.
6038 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
Fax Number: N/A
Mission/Initiatives: Educate Now! is a non-profit organization dedicated to effective and sustainable reform of New Orleans public schools. Our mission is carried out by:
- Providing current, comprehensive information on education reform in New Orleans
- Lending programmatic support to educational reforms already underway in New Orleans
- Advocating for decentralized, quality public schools for all students in New Orleans
5500 Prytania Street #126
New Orleans, LA 70115
Fax Number: (504) 274-3650
Mission/Initiatives: The mission of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools is to support, promote, and advocate for the Louisiana charter school movement, increasing student access to high quality public schools statewide.
2515 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
Fax Number: (504) 827-6864
Mission/Initiatives: The mission of LAUW is to increase the organized capacity of Louisiana United Way organizations. The purpose of LAUW is to foster and enable the provision of efficient and effective community services for the citizens of the service area.
4240 Canal Street, Suite 240
New Orleans, LA 70119
Fax Number: (504) 304-9768
Mission/Initiatives: Afterschool Partnership is the intermediary organization leveraging resources to programs that serve children and youth during out of school hours in New Orleans.
Fax Number: (504) 288-1412
Website: N/A
Mission/Initiatives: Organizing parents to advocate for quality public education.
2405 Jackson Avenue – Suite C-213
New Orleans, LA 70113
Fax Number: (504) 522-2225
Mission/Initiatives: The Early Childhood & Family Learning Foundation conducts outreach to child cares in Central City, providing technical assistance and professional development to enhance (a) program performance (b) academic success for preschool age children, and (c) children's readiness for school.
2515 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
Fax Number: (504) 827-4378
Mission/Initiatives: We are creating lasting changes by focusing on the building blocks for a better life... a quality education that leads to stable employment, income to support a family, sound mental and physical health and a safety net in times of crisis. To LIVE UNITED means being a part of the change, and your participation is crucial to our success.
13207 River Road
Luling, LA 70070
Fax Number: (985) 331-9069
Mission/Initiatives: To LEAD and UNITE the community in providing a program of health and human services that is comprehensive, efficient and effective. United Way of St. Charles focuses on advancing the common good by funding programs that target education, incom & health.
One Galleria Blvd., Suite 903
Metairie, LA 70001
Mission/Initiatives: CDL's mission is to improve the life chances of all children, especially those at high risk, by increasing school success.
2405 Jackson Ave., Suite C213
New Orleans, LA 70113
Mission/Initiatives: Central City is a historic community composed of many ethnicities, including African-American, Latino, Asian, Caucasian, and Native-American families. Especially since the storms of 2005, daily life often rings extra challenges and stressors here, and unfortunately, crime has become rampant. The Early Childhood & Family Learning Foundation (ECFLF) was founded to address these challenges and end the cycle of hardships on students from stressed communities, who are expected to achieve equally with their more aptly prepared peers, whose early educations aren't compromised by the challenges of life in poverty.
4809 Jefferson
Jefferson, LA 70121
Mission/Initiatives: Entergy has a long history of support for the community, and we believe that reinvesting in the communities where we live and work will enhance the vitality and quality of life in those areas that are, in large part, responsible for our success. We recognize the importance of turning good intentions into positive action. It's not only good business. It is also simply the right thing to do.
201 St. Charles Avenue, #161
New Orleans, LA 70170
Mission/Initiatives: The Louisiana Area Association for the Education of Young Children (LAEYC) is a state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a national organization comprised of early care and education professionals. Our mission is to promote and support high quality care and education for young children through improved professional practice and broadened public awareness.
8550 United Plaza Blvd., Suite 301
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Fax Number: (225) 922-4562
Mission/Initiatives: Academic Distinction Fund (ADF) believes that every young person in East Baton Rouge Parish should graduate from high school with the tools to be a successful adult - whether
they choose to pursue college or begin a career. To promote this belief, ADF advocates for high-performing public school systems that value accountability, strong educational leadership
and public engagement.
5500 Florida Blvd., Suite 106
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Fax Number: (225) 341-6790
Website: www.advancebr.org
Mission/Initiatives: Advance Baton Rouge Charter School Association's mission is to create schools of academic excellence by increasing teacher quality and raising student achievement.
8768 Quarters Lake Rd., Bldg. 11, Ste. 5
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Fax Number: (225) 612-6978
Mission/Initiatives: Advance Innovative Education promotes urgent, systemic change in public education by undertaking reform initiatives that deliver dramatically improved teacher and school leader performance, and by developing strong partnerships to increase student success and ultimately enhance the quality of life in Louisiana.
564 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Fax Number: (225) 336-4306
Mission/Initiatives: The Baton Rouge Area Chamber® is providing visionary leadership and taking decisive actions to propel our community to a more prosperous economic future. BRAC fulfills its mission of leading economic development in the Baton Rouge area in several ways:
- Business retention initiatives, including expansion consultations
- Business recruitment activities, such as targeted marketing
- Maintaining a robust business intelligence database
- Taking public positions on issues that affect the business community
- Providing vision and seed funding for education initiatives
- Remaining committed to measurable results
402 N. Fourth Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Fax Number: (225) 387-6153
Mission/Initiatives: The Baton Rouge Area Foundation, a community foundation with $530 million in assets, provides two essential functions for the capital region.
One, the Foundation connects philanthropists with capable nonprofits to make sure the needs of
our communities are met. For example, our donors support the Shaw Center for the Arts, buy eyeglasses for needy children, fund services to care for abused women and children, and underwrite the symphony and Manship Theatre. We help donors create a lasting legacy and fulfill their philanthropic goals.
Two, the Foundation invests in and manages pivotal projects that can change the community. Our Plan Baton Rouge initiative spearheaded the downtown revitalization plan and now is working to revive Old South Baton Rouge. Our real estate asset revived the abandoned Capitol House, and is
set to work on other groundbreaking projects in Baton Rouge.
700 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Fax Number: (225) 383-9922
Mission/Initiatives: Helping People – Improving Communities - Capital Area United Way is working
to advance the common good to create opportunities for a better life for all. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people have good health and basic needs such as food and shelter.
450 Laurel Street, Suite 1830
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Fax Number: (225) 336-5220
Mission/Initiatives: The Committee of 100 for Economic Development, Inc. is a private non-profit organization whose membership includes the top CEOs of leading private and public companies in Louisiana and University presidents of Louisiana's institutions of higher learning. C100 was created in 1992 to provide leadership and resources to bring about positive change in government, education and the economy to improve the quality of life for all the people of Louisiana. The Committee of 100
is a non-government organization (NGO) supported by leading business leaders in Louisiana dedicated to the state's long-term economic growth. The Committee's primary focus is to assist the State to attract and retain industry, ensuring quality jobs for Louisianans.
251 Florida Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Fax Number: (225) 338-9470
Mission/Initiatives: CABL was founded in 1962 with the mission of improving the quality of life for
all citizens of Louisiana. CABL values cultural diversity within its programs, and is dedicated to the powerful ideas and issues that bind people together, as they work to move Louisiana forward.
3113 Valley Creek Dr.
Post Office Box 80258
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70898-0258
Fax Number: (225) 929-6054
Mission/Initiatives: The mission of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is to foster
a climate for economic growth by championing the principles of the free enterprise system and by representing the general interests of the business community through active involvement in the political, legislative, judicial and regulatory processes.
P. O. Box 66482
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Mission/Initiatives: The Children's Coalition is a collective force united to effect community change to improve the lives of children and families through partnerships and advocacies in the Capital City Area.
P. O. Box 64507
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Mission/Initiatives: The mission of the Partnership is to improve the well-being of children and their families through public policy advocacy, communication, and the promotion of evidence-based programs.
613 Canal Blvd.
Thibodaux, LA 70301
Fax Number: (985) 493-2530
Website: N/A
P.O. Box 672
Plaquemine, LA 70765
Fax Number: N/A
Website: N/A
Mission/Initiatives: The goal of the Iberville Foundation for Academic Excellence is to provide funding for innovative and creative projects, which promote academic excellence for a school, a grade level, or a subject area within Iberville Parish Schools. The vision of the Iberville Foundation for Academic Excellence is to endeavor to promote excellence and ensure the success of all students thru funding from multiple sources, endowments, and individuals within our community.
P.O. Box 529
Thibodaux, LA 70302
Fax Number: (985) 446-8044
Mission/Initiatives: The Lafourche Education Foundation (LEF) was founded in 1997 by local residents and business leaders who recognize that the strength of the community depends on the enrichment of public education. LEF's mission is to raise and invest funds for charitable purposes that support, improve and advance public education in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. In order to fulfill this mission, the 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization is committed to achieving the following goals:
- Support teachers in their work and professional growth
- Encourage best practices in education
- Support innovative action that leads to academic excellence for students
- Support and stimulate the learning process for the children of Lafourche Parish
- Link community resources with school needs and school resources with community needs
P.O. Box 2019
Reserve, LA 70084-2019
Fax Number: (985) 651-9110
Mission/Initiatives: St. John United Way knows that real and sustained change in community conditions requires more than money. Our goal is to create long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. Our community impact areas include promoting health, wellness and independence, assisting with basic and emergency needs, helping kids succeed, and strengthening community and families.
P.O. Drawer 670
Gonzales, LA 70707
Fax Number: N/A
Website: N/A
Whitney Bank Building
7901 Main Street, Suite 201
Houma, LA 70361
Fax Number: (985) 872-9615
Mission/Initiatives: To be recognized as the best caring choice for donors and to provide financial support for local health and human service agencies benefiting our people.
804 East Saint Mary Blvd.
Lafayette, LA 70503
Fax Number: (337) 234-8671
Website: lafchamber.org
Mission/Initiatives: The mission of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce is to be the leading force in the improvement of the business environment, the economic health, development and prosperity of the region.
P.O. Box 53649
Lafayette, LA 70505
Fax Number: (337) 234-9146
Mission/Initiatives: Lafayette Education Foundation promotes and supports excellence in
education by:
- developing supportive relationships between the private sector and the Lafayette Parish public school system.
- providing private sector support to launch creative education initiatives.
- implementing strategies to stimulate optimism and inspiration among educators, parents
and students. - encouraging and facilitating lifelong learning initiatives.
P.O. Box 42730
Lafayette, LA 70504
Fax Number: (337) 482-1553
Mission/Initiatives: The Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning is a multi-disciplinary group of evaluation and research professionals who focus on early childhood, K-12 education and lifelong learning. The Center provides high-quality, rigorous evaluations of programs that are implemented to address learning from birth through adulthood. Applied research is continually conducted in all areas of child education, health, and well-being to ensure a prosperous and healthy future for all of Louisiana's children.
P.O. Box 52033
Lafayette, LA 70505
Fax Number: (337) 233-8380
Mission/Initiatives: United Way of Acadiana is creating lasting change by focusing on the building blocks of a good life: essentials, education, and earnings.
Our Mission: Volunteers. Resources. Solutions.
- Volunteers: United Way of Acadiana mobilizes the caring power of Acadiana through volunteerism.
- Resources: United Way of Acadiana leverages resources, including financial contributions, community expertise, in-kind contributions and relationships to fuel impact.
- Solutions: United Way of Acadiana tackles root causes to urgent problems facing our communities by knowing the issues, identifying the barriers and obstacles, elevating the dialogue and convening partners.
449 E. St. Peter, Suite 201
New Iberia, LA 70560
Fax Number: (337) 364-6101
United Way of Iberia serves as a leader in finding solutions to issues that matter in our community. Working together with our community partners to identify and address pressing issues, since 1955 United Way has been Advancing the Common Good in Iberia Parish. The United Way of Iberia serves many different roles in Iberia Parish, serving the cities of New Iberia and Jeanerette,
and the towns of Coteau, Loreauville, Delcambre and Lydia.
United Way of Iberia, Inc. uniting to build a stronger, healthier, and more compassionate community.
P. O. Box 52033
Lafayette, LA 70505
Fax Number: (337) 364-6101
220 Louie Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Fax Number: (337) 439-9941
Website: www.fyca.org
Mission/Initiatives: The Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana serves as the endowment and philanthropic arm of Family & Youth, connecting donors to the priorities that enhance the quality of family and community life for generations to come. The foundation believes that investing in families secures the future of our community. In addition, the Family Foundation of Southwest Louisiana promotes standards of excellence in the nonprofit sector, mission based advocacy and philanthropy.
120 West Pujo Street
P.O. Box 3110
Lake Charles, LA 70602-3110
Fax Number: (337) 436-3727
Mission/Initiatives: The mission of the Chamber Southwest is to develop Southwest Louisiana by creating economic opportunity, and demanding responsible government and quality education.
The Chamber serves the parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis.
Our objective is to expand the service area to coincide with economic growth, the availability of organization resources and the interest of other adjacent areas. Simply put, a chamber of commerce is a group of businesses that have banded together to solve problems that a single business could not solve on its own.
715 Ryan Street, Suite 102
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Fax Number: (337) 433-3679
Mission/Initiatives: Our mission is to unite the community for the assessment of human needs and the delivery of appropriate services. Our vision is to position the United Way system to become proactive in enabling volunteers, agencies and community groups to become increasingly involved
in resolving community problems.
1383 E. Gallaugher Road
Jennings, LA 70546
Fax Number: (337) 433-3679
Mission/Initiatives: The Louisiana Early Childhood Association (LAECA) is a non-profit early childhood organization for teachers, parents, caregivers and early care professionals dedicated to improving the lives of Louisiana's children from birth to eight years of age. Our regional association is the Southern Early Childhood Association.
1118 Third Street
Alexandria, LA 71301
Fax Number: (318) 442-6734
Mission/Initiatives: The mission of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce is: to promote economic growth for Central Louisiana and its citizens; to serve as a business advocate for our members; and to foster a business climate that supports business and industry.
1101 4th Street, Suite 203
Alexandria, LA 71301
Fax Number: (318) 448-4473
Mission/Initiatives: Orchards' Mission is to improve academic achievement for Central Louisiana students by promoting best practices; recruiting, retaining, and rewarding excellent and innovative teachers; building school leadership; and strengthening school and community relationships.
101 4th Street, Suite 300
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
Fax Number: (318) 443-8312
Mission/Initiatives: The mission of The Rapides Foundation is to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. Our vision is to positively impact Central Louisiana by deploying resources to improve key factors of health status.
P.O. Box 749
Alexandria, LA 71309-0749
Fax Number: (318) 443-0004
Mission/Initiatives: The United Way of Central Louisiana builds a stronger community by linking people and resources in nine parishes: Allen (Oakdale area), Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon and Winn.
820 Jordan Street #485
Shreveport, LA 71101
Fax Number: (318) 424-0690
Mission/Initiatives: The Alliance For Education engages the community to improve the chances of every child graduating from high school prepared to succeed in life.
400 Edwards Street
Shreveport, LA 71101-6134
Fax Number: (318) 677-2541
Mission/Initiatives: The mission of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic prosperity, serve as a business advocate, and celebrate the achievements of our region.
402 Edwards Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
Fax Number: (318) 698-4035
Mission/Initiatives: United Way of Northwest Louisiana serves 13 parishes in our region of the state. We rely on experienced volunteers, loyal donors, effective partner agencies and dedicated staff to help us achieve our vision and mission. PURPOSE - Helping People and Improving Community. VALUES - Inclusiveness, Compassion, Integrity, Respect & Dignity, Positive Impact.
1363 Louisville Avenue
Monroe, LA 71201
Fax Number: (318) 323-1150
Mission/Initiatives: The Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is an umbrella for several regional and local coalitions that work to bring about improvement in children's lives. The name of our agency reflects our continued belief that the best problem solving for children and families occurs at the local level with a collaborative effort from all parts of the community-non-profit, government agencies, civic and faith based organizations, businesses, families and individuals. While our commitment continues to coalition building and problem solving, the Children's Coalition has become an agency that delivers services in our four main focus areas: Early Care and Education, Health Care, Parenting and Youth Development. These services are the result of mandates from our member agencies and are designed to support their efforts to improve lives of children and families.
212 Walnut Street, Suite 100
Monroe, LA 71201
Fax Number: (318) 322-7594
Mission/Initiatives: The Monroe Chamber is in business for business. We work in three strategic areas: Government and Infrastructure; Workforce Development and; Business Advocacy. Through focused, coordinated partnerships, the chamber will continue to work to create an environment in which our businesses thrive and grow.
2310 Lily Drive
Ruston, LA 71270
Fax Number: N/A
Mission/Initiatives: The Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) is committed to improving
the quality of care and education for young children and their families through advocacy and professional development.
1201 Hudson Lane
Monroe, LA 71201-6005
Fax Number: (318) 325-4329
Mission/Initiatives: United Way of Northeast Louisiana offers you something no one else can -- a way to join with others to identify and work on the issues our community cares about most. United Way is focused on... Helping People and Improving Community. United Way of Northeast Louisiana serves 13 parishes in our region of the state. We rely on experienced volunteers, loyal donors, effective partner agencies and dedicated staff to help us achieve our vision and mission. PURPOSE - Helping People and Improving Community, VALUES - Inclusiveness, Compassion, Integrity, Respect & Dignity, Positive Impact.
112 Professional Drive
West Monroe, LA 71291
Fax Number: (318) 325-4296
Mission/Initiatives: The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce assists the City of
West Monroe in recruiting new business and industry. The facilitation of visits to the area is a service provided by the Chamber. Meeting with company officials, site selectors, and other involved parties
is crucial to the continued growth and development of West Ouachita Parish. Establishing an exemplary relationship with City officials and Economic Developers is an important aspect of insuring quality expansion and providing a more positive business climate conducive to business growth is our focus.
