Stand Up for International Basic Education in FY27: Urge Your Senators to Act

This week, during Global Action Week for Education, advocates around the world are calling for stronger investments in one of the most powerful tools for building a more just and stable future: education.

Over the past 25 years, access to education has expanded dramatically. There are now 327 million more children in school than in 2000—a sign of real global progress. And yet, that progress is slipping. Today, 273 million children and youth—nearly one in six—are out of school, a number that has risen for seven consecutive years. Ongoing crises, deepening inequality, and shrinking public budgets are pushing education further out of reach for millions. Without renewed investment, an additional 6 million children could be out of school by the end of 2026.

At a time like this, U.S. leadership matters.

Investments in international basic education do more than expand access to classrooms. They help reduce the conditions that drive conflict and instability, strengthen local economies, and create opportunities for young people to build dignified futures. Education is not only a moral imperative—it is a strategic one.

Momentum is building in Congress. A bipartisan House letter recently secured strong support for global education funding in the FY27 budget. Now, the Senate is considering its own letter, led by Senator Chris Van Hollen, calling for robust investment in international basic education.

Your voice can help ensure this momentum continues.

We are joining the Global Campaign for Education–US in urging advocates across the country to contact their senators and ask them to sign on to this critical letter before the April 28 deadline.

Add your name using the form below and send a message to your senators in just a few clicks. Together, we can help ensure that more children—no matter where they are born—have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.