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Why 22Beacon?
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We are on the precipice of a new and very exciting chapter of our organization. One part of our evolution is a name change to better reflect who we are and how we will show up in the world today and in the future.
22, in numerology, is known as the “master builder”
And at our core, we are both. We build facilities. We build opportunities. We build equity. We are grateful to be part of teams that empower underserved communities to build themselves up and flourish.
By choosing “Beacon”, we reinforce our efforts to always be a guiding light, a foundational force, and a friend.
To always inspire and encourage — and provide all the requisite support needed to make important change happen. We’ve been at the forefront of the charter school movement, leading boldly, charting forward and reimagining possibilities. While we will continue to grow and evolve, our role as a beacon remains a constant.
Together, 22 and Beacon encapsulate our very unique DNA.
It is the culmination of over 25 years of dedicated work as master builders and guiding lights for charter schools, evolving now to broadly amplify impact in underserved communities. 22Beacon calls to mind an address — a place with purpose — which resonates deeply with our mission as builders of spaces that uplift and empower.
22Beacon is more than just our new name. It’s a reflection of our evolution-to-date, an homage to what has been, and the lodestar for an energized and expanded future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hear Alan share why “22Beacon” is the perfect next step in our ongoing evolution
In 2022, when Alan Washington took the reins as President and CEO, we embarked on an ambitious strategic planning journey that called for a name as transformative as the impact we wish to create. While honoring our tenured history, we’re expanding our horizons to create broader opportunities for communities to thrive — always keeping education at our core.
The more things change — the more they stay the same. Our mission remains unwavering: “to eliminate barriers to access, choice, and equity in under-resourced communities nationwide.” Yet our vision and goals have grown bolder. We see a future where every community orbits around a thriving educational ecosystem, strengthened by expanded school choice models and comprehensive supportive services.
Our distinctive new identity breaks free from the marketplace confusion stemming from acronym-based names in the education sector. While we remain deeply committed to charter schools, this evolution allows us to simultaneously differentiate and inspire — and to engage a broader range of stakeholders as we expand our horizons.
We are charter(ing) ahead, and beyond! While deepening our investment and commitment to our existing charter school partners through additive community components, we are expanding to support diverse educational models to meet unique community needs.
We see 22Beacon as an amalgamation of the places of purpose we’ve built — and those still to come. To us, it represents every location where we’ve created meaningful change, each with its own unique address and identity. But beyond physical spaces, 22Beacon is a mindset — one that drives us to lean into challenges to create positive community impact.
We believe in the power of partnership and would be delighted to hear from you. Reach out at info@22Beacon.org and/or connect with our team on LinkedIn.