GreatSchools receives grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York to integrate public library data into school information platform

New initiative will embed local public library information into GreatSchools' national school search platform, giving families a more complete view of community learning resources

OAKLAND, Calif., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GreatSchools, the nation's leading nonprofit school information site, today announced it has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York to support the integration of public library data onto GreatSchools.org. This grant represents a significant investment in expanding how families understand and navigate their local educational ecosystems, allowing them to explore not only school options, but also trusted community resources that support learning beyond the classroom.

With this funding, GreatSchools will lead the first national effort to embed public library data within a school information platform. The project aims to contextualize school data with nearby library information, helping families better understand the learning supports available in their communities. The initiative reflects a shared vision between GreatSchools and Carnegie Corporation to illuminate the broader educational ecosystem that helps children thrive.

"Where you learn goes beyond the classroom. Thanks to Carnegie's support, we can now highlight the vital role of public libraries in kids' education," said Jon Deane, CEO of GreatSchools. "By integrating library information into our platform, we're giving parents a more complete picture of their local learning environment. This innovation will help families discover community resources and make more informed choices for their children's learning."

Ambika Kapur, a Program Director of Education at Carnegie, emphasized the foundation's interest in bridging school and community resources. "Public libraries are essential yet often under-recognized centers of learning," Kapur said. "We are proud to support GreatSchools in pioneering a platform that connects families to both school and library information. By surfacing these community assets, this effort not only strengthens transparency in education data but also spurs innovation in how families engage with learning beyond school walls."

Public libraries have long served as vital learning hubs, offering not only books but a range of essential services from family literacy programs and after-school clubs to college readiness resources, English-language learning, and civic engagement opportunities. Yet despite their value, these resources are often underutilized, particularly in communities with the highest education needs. As families navigate an increasingly complex learning landscape, GreatSchools aims to make it easier to understand and access these trusted public institutions.

As part of this initiative, the organization will develop dedicated profiles for public libraries across the country, along with tools that allow library staff to share up-to-date information about their programs and services. GreatSchools will also publish parent-friendly content to help demystify what libraries offer and encourage families to take full advantage of these free, accessible learning resources.

About GreatSchools:
GreatSchools is the leading nonprofit providing high-quality information that supports parents pursuing a great education for their child, schools striving for excellence, and communities working to diminish inequities in education. We are the only national organization that collects and analyzes data from all 51 state departments of education and the federal government to provide analysis, insights, and school quality ratings for parents, partners, researchers, and policymakers. Nearly half of all K–12 families visit GreatSchools' award-winning website annually to learn about schools in their area, explore research insights, and access thousands of free, evidence-based parenting resources to support their child's learning and well-being. Learn more at GreatSchools.org and join us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

About Carnegie Corporation:
Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. Today the foundation works to reduce political polarization through philanthropic support for the issues that Carnegie considered most important: education, democracy, and peace.

SOURCE GreatSchools.org