Back to School

As summer winds down, our house is buzzing with back-to-school rituals – summer reading books scattered across the couch, piles of school supplies, and the annual scramble to see if last year’s shoes still fit. My kids are gearing up for another year of learning, growth, and opportunity. It’s a season full of promise. 

But while students across the U.S. head back to class, I can’t help but think about the 250 million children around the world who won’t be walking into a classroom this year. For them, school isn’t a given, it’s a dream. And with almost all U.S. foreign aid for education terminated, that dream is slipping further out of reach.

That’s why this moment matters. GCE-US is working to ensure that every child, no matter where they live, has access to a quality education. We’re pushing for inclusive policies, elevating youth voices, and breaking down the barriers that keep kids from learning. 

This school year, as we send our own children off to school, let’s stand up for those still waiting for their chance. Join me in supporting GCE-US’s Back to School Campaign. Together, we can help turn the page toward a future where every child gets to learn, grow, and thrive. 

Sincerely,

Giulia McPherson
Executive Director

Budget Cuts, Rescissions, Oh My

July was a busy month in Congress with legislative developments raising serious concerns for international basic education programs. The passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025 slashed $9 billion in previously approved federal spending – much of it focused on foreign aid - jeopardizing basic education programs across low-income countries.

Meanwhile, the newly released FY26 House appropriations bill proposes a 20% cut to international basic education funding compared to FY25, reducing support from $922 million to $737.6 million. While GCE-US acknowledges continued bipartisan commitment, we urge Congress to restore funding to FY23 levels and reaffirm education as a strategic investment in global stability.

We will continue to advocate for robust U.S. leadership in education, warning that these cuts risk reversing decades of progress and leaving millions of children behind.

Youth Advocates Take Capitol Hill

Eight advocates + 8 hours of advocacy + 17 meetings with Congressional offices = one successful Advocacy Day!

On July 15, our fearless GCE-US Youth Advocates walked onto Capitol Hill with a list of demands to protect education with confidence built through several months of training. For most advocates it was their first time visiting Washington, DC and their excitement further strengthened the personal stories and persuasive pitches that they shared with their representatives.  

Read about their powerful experiences in our latest web story!

What were the Youth Advocates asking for? 1) Funding for International Basic Education, 2) Foreign Assistance for Children, and 3) Support for the Bipartisan Basic Education Caucus. 

We’re so proud of our advocates putting their training into action and we look forward to how they will continue making a difference in their own communities.

Alumni Reunite in NYC

On July 31, GCE-US Alumni connected in New York City! The group exchanged GCE stories and shared what they’re doing in education advocacy today. It was so exciting to see what our alumni are doing now, and we look forward to inviting other alumni to future GCE-US hosted events.

If you’d like to stay in the loop for alumni events and opportunities, email grector@gce-us.org and join our Alumni LinkedIn Group.

Member Spotlight: Girl Rising

Girl Rising uses storytelling to change how the world values girls and their education. Through their flagship education program, RISE, they work with local partners in India, Kenya, Bangladesh and Indonesia to deliver culturally relevant life skills and gender equity education to adolescent girls and boys. RISE builds adolescents’ critical life skills, voice, confidence, and agency, while engaging educators, parents, and communities to shift harmful social norms. 

Storytelling is at the heart of their approach, used as a tool to spark discovery, shift mindsets, and inspire action. Beyond the classroom, Girl Rising creates media and global campaigns that raise awareness and mobilize support for girls’ education.

Grounded in research that shows educating girls is one of the most effective ways to address global challenges such as poverty, health, climate change, and peace, Girl Rising also creates media and campaigns to drive global action for girls’ education.

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