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Learning Differences Programme

Unlocking the potential of all learners

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    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    Cultivando mentes brillantes: supporting families with learning differences

    This programme for families of school-aged children helps increase understanding of learning differences and the mental health challenges that often accompany them. 

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    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    CAST: Forty years of learning without limits

    “We envision a world where all learning – whether in school, work, or life – is designed to elevate strengths and eliminate barriers. This gives everyone the opportunity to grow and thrive,” says Lindsay Jones, CAST CEO. 

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    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    Piloting change: how DC schools are transforming education

    In Washington DC, two not-for-profit organisations are working to ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and empowered. 

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    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    Putting inclusion at the heart of education

    From Afghanistan to South Africa, our partners are rethinking how learning is happening around the world. Learn more about their efforts to create inclusive school environments. 

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    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    Supporting diverse learning through storytelling

    Cultivating empathy among peers, parents, and teachers has been shown to increase the emotional wellbeing of students with learning differences. Learn more about Understood.org’s unique approach. 

Overview

Our funding is guided by a vision of a world in which every young person can unlock their potential. Through our grants, we support not‑for‑profit organisations that help schools become places where students who learn differently — particularly those furthest from opportunity — feel confident, supported, and able to thrive.

Our definition of learning differences
Oak Foundation understands learning differences as a range of specific learning disabilities—such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia—as well as other neurological processing challenges, including differences related to attention, sensory processing, or executive function. This definition recognises students whose learning needs may or may not have been formally identified and centres on how differences in learning interact with the design of classrooms, instruction, and school environments.


What we fund

We support efforts that deepen understanding of how students with learning differences thrive in school, including conducting research and uplifting evidence to improve teaching and learning. Our grantees explore effective instructional strategies, so schools can respond more effectively — now and in the future.

We support educators, schools, and organisations working to test, adapt, and apply what works, so more classrooms meet students where they are. Our grantees apply evidence to ensure teaching and learning are inclusive and responsive to the needs of students with learning differences.

We support efforts that foster the conditions for schools to become places where students with learning differences thrive. Our grantees support leadership, foster collaboration, and elevate the perspectives of students, families, and communities.


Discover our partner stories

  •  
     
    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    Cultivando mentes brillantes: supporting families with learning differences

    This programme for families of school-aged children helps increase understanding of learning differences and the mental health challenges that often accompany them….

  •  
     
    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    CAST: Forty years of learning without limits

    “We envision a world where all learning – whether in school, work, or life – is designed to elevate strengths and eliminate barriers. This gives everyone the opportunity to grow and thrive,”…

  •  
     
    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    Piloting change: how DC schools are transforming education

    In Washington DC, two not-for-profit organisations are working to ensure that every student feels seen, valued, and empowered….

  •  
     
    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    Putting inclusion at the heart of education

    From Afghanistan to South Africa, our partners are rethinking how learning is happening around the world. Learn more about their efforts to create inclusive school environments….

  •  
     
    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    Supporting diverse learning through storytelling

    Cultivating empathy among peers, parents, and teachers has been shown to increase the emotional wellbeing of students with learning differences. Learn more about Understood.org’s unique approach….

  •  
     
    Learning Differences Programme / Partner story

    From podcasts to progress in reading science

    In 2017, journalist Emily Hanford began investigating how children are taught to read. The stories that followed would spark a movement that is bringing the science of reading to schools across the US…

Would you like to read more stories like this? Please visit our “Stories” page.