With the support of the New York Life Foundation, Classroom, Inc. Executive Director Christina M. Oliver joined 38 nonprofit executives from around the country to virtually participate in the New Strategies Symposium conducted by Business for Impact at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

Founded in 2011, New Strategies is an invitation-only program that brings together nonprofit leaders to help them increase and diversify their revenue streams.

Meeting over four days in fall 2020, Christina and her fellow program participants learned from leaders in nonprofits and philanthropy, from faculty at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business, expert advisors, and each other. The sessions included experts on brand and social media strategy, earned revenue opportunities through strategic partnership development, virtual fundraising, and best practices to engage current and potential supporters. Joe Waters, Founder of Selfish Giving, led an impactful discussion on cause marketing that Christina applied to Read to Lead’s growth and corporate partnership strategies.

Christina noted, “This incredible and actionable opportunity allowed me to assess and reflect on Classroom, Inc.’s existing assets and future opportunities to diversify our revenue. Experts reinforced our key opportunities to engage corporations and their employees in helping us support teachers and students nationwide with Read to Lead, as well as the critical importance of building our brand through targeted marketing approaches.”

A hallmark of New Strategies is to provide its alumni with ongoing access to expert speakers and a national network of nonprofit executives. Since the program, Christina and Classroom, Inc.’s learning opportunities have continued through webinars on impact investing and the New Strategies Impact Consultants Pilot Program.

Christina’s participation in the New Strategies program comes at a critical time as Classroom, Inc. scales its support for teachers and middle school students learning at home, in hybrid settings, and in-person at schools. Through Read to Lead digital learning games and curriculum, Classroom, Inc. is currently helping thousands of teachers improve their middle school students’ literacy, life, and career skills, ensuring a successful transition to high school and beyond.

Christina said, “I am grateful to the New York Life Foundation for supporting my leadership and our efforts to diversify and grow our revenue. Their partnership ensures educators across the United States have the tools they need to empower middle school youth to improve their academic and career skills.”