Our Mission
The Partnership of Schools with Public Purpose serves educators, students + non-profit organizations committed to creating just and equitable communities. PSPP is dedicated to providing a range of opportunities that promote innovation, connection + social justice. The diverse PSPP network is responsive to the broad range of needs reflected by the communities represented within the organization and supports local conferences that draw on national examples of successful partnering practices.
Our History
In December 2006, a small group of ten directors leading private–public partnership programs gathered to launch what would become the Partnership of Schools with Public Purpose (PSPP). The idea was sparked during a conversation between Carl Ackerman and Milton Chen, then Executive Director of the George Lucas Educational Foundation (GLEF).
Chen encouraged key private-school leaders to convene at the George Lucas Headquarters in San Francisco to share their work, learn from one another, and inspire the development of similar programs nationwide.
From that first meeting, PSPP was grounded in a shared belief: private schools can and should use their resources, networks, and expertise to strengthen the broader community.
Following the gathering at GLEF, Barbara Gee boldly volunteered her school—Head-Royce in Oakland—to become the first school-based PSPP site, with her program, Heads Up, paving the way. Punahou School joined soon after, during PSPP’s third meeting, with the Partnerships in Unlimited Educational Opportunities (PUEO—founded by Carl Ackerman under the leadership of Headmaster James Scott) at its core.
Over the years, PSPP has hosted symposia and conferences in cities including Oakland, Honolulu, San Francisco (under the leadership of Headmaster Al Adams at Lick-Wilmerding School), Seattle, New York, Baltimore, Cleveland, and New Jersey—continuously refining a collaborative model that now thrives both regionally and nationally.
Today, in partnership with many others who care deeply about our communities, we continue to advance that original vision on behalf of all children.