About XQ
XQ is working to permanently shift how America defines and delivers high school education
Whether it’s working with communities to reimagine the high school experience, collaborating on products that enable new ways of teaching and learning, or identifying policies that create the conditions for systemwide change, we’re on a mission to radically transform what high school looks like for young people everywhere.
Helping communities dream big about what high school can be
We work closely with students, families, educators, and district leaders to turn their ideas into action. Together, we embark on a journey—grounded in XQ’s design principles and learner outcomes—that strengthens the high school experience. This work, based on the science of how adolescents learn, is driving meaningful outcomes for young people across the country.
EXPLORE OUR LEARNER OUTCOMES AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Empowering educators with innovative products
XQ’s suite of free, high-quality tools and resources helps bridge the gap between vision and practice. Developed alongside educators, makers, learning scientists, and other experts, our products put high school transformation within reach of communities everywhere.
Unlocking the conditions for lasting, systemwide change
Policy makers at all levels can accelerate high school redesign by creating the conditions for educators, students, and community members to undertake bold innovation. XQ engages in research and analysis to identify policies that support meaningful transformation—and lay the foundation for sustained change.
History
XQ is a nonprofit organization and independent affiliate of Emerson Collective founded in 2015. That year, Laurene Powell Jobs and Russlynn Ali issued an open call—an invitation to the nation to join teams, build community, and reimagine the high school experience. The response was overwhelming. 10,000 people from all 50 states formed 700 teams. Ten schools were selected as part of our “Super School Project” and we worked hand-in-hand to turn their vision into reality. Today, our cohort of schools has grown to 18 and we have a presence in nearly 140 sites across the country.
Meet The XQ Team
Board of Directors
XQ was co-founded by board chair Laurene Powell Jobs, founder and president of Emerson Collective, and Russlynn Ali, XQ’s CEO and former U.S. assistant secretary of education for civil rights. XQ’s board of directors also includes Larry Berger, Geoffrey Canada, Marc Eckō, Jimmy Iovine, Michael Klein, and Yo-Yo Ma.
Emerson Collective
Emerson Collective
XQ works in direct collaboration with Emerson Collective, which is dedicated to removing barriers to opportunity so people can live to their full potential. Established and led by Laurene Powell Jobs, Emerson Collective’s work focuses on education, immigration reform, the environment, and other social justice initiatives. XQ is an independent affiliate of Emerson Collective.
