| Saphron Initiative | |
| Formation: | 2021; 3 years ago |
| Type: | Education advocacy group |
| Headquarters: | Washington, D.C. |
| Affiliations: | Network for Public Education (Grassroots Education Network Member) |
| Website: | www.saphron.org |
Saphron Initiative is an American youth-led, nonpartisan education advocacy nonprofit with an educational programs wing and political advocacy wing. Founded in 2021 by two Virginia high schoolers, it states that its work encompasses "forging innovative partnerships with schools and civic society" and "engagement with elected officials and policymakers."[1] [2] [3]
It now operates nationally, with chapters in various states from New Jersey to Hawaii.[4] [5]
Saphron Initiative operates a host of remote educational programs with volunteer youth tutors in sync with partnered Title I schools, ranging from after-school activities to gifted enrichment to supplemental learning for struggling students. It has served school divisions across Louisiana, North Carolina, and Maryland, among others.[6]
In 2024, the group launched Edisco, a miscellaneous journalistic publication on its activities and broader education advocacy.[7]
Separate from its educational activities, Saphron Initiative has an advocacy wing active in coordinating endorsements and policy positions across its operational regions. The group is a national member of the Network for Public Education's "Grassroots Education Network" alongside In The Public Interest and other, largely anti-school choice organizations.[8] In the past, Saphron Initiative has worked with American Federation of Teachers branch on efforts in favor of collective bargaining for educators, especially in Virginia.[9] It has also backed the PRO Act for multiple consecutive legislative sessions as part of its support of expanded collective bargaining rights for teachers.[10]
In 2022, it co-signed a support letter for California Assemblymember Marc Levine's AB 1694 with Public Citizen.[11] Additionally, it was a part of the support coalition behind California State Senator Thomas Umberg's SB 252 during the 2023 California legislative session.[12] The bill would have prohibited the California State Teachers Retirement System from investing in fossil fuels if passed.[13]
The group also participated in a House Triangle press conference with Congressmembers Mike Thompson, Kathy Castor, and Troy Carter as part of its efforts in support for H.Res.975 in the U.S. House of Representatives.[14]
Additionally, Saphron Initiative has partnered on ActionNetwork.org campaigns with Daily Kos and the Democracy for America Advocacy Fund, with focuses ranging from combatting school voucher legislation to supporting Universal Pre-K and the expansion of the Child Tax Credit.[15]
The group has endorsed multiple state, local, and federal candidates in past American elections, including former Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni in his 2024 run for Virginia's 10th Congressional District.[16] Saphron Initiative has also endorsed other candidates on the local and state levels in California, Virginia, North Carolina, North Dakota, Texas, and Maryland.[17]