The #GatesEffect…@Chronicle special

…on How the World's Largest Foundation Is Remaking Higher Education. Wherever you stand on venture philanthropy (or philanthropiracy) and Gates Foundation's influence in higher ed, on community colleges in particular, and shaping U.S. education policy in general, information ~ all perspectives and positions ~ is the indispensable mind tool for our HE defense kits. We apologize in advance for any pay walls you might encounter along the way. 

See also:

• When Billionaires Become Educational Experts: "Venture philanthropists" push for the privatization of public education, Kevin K. Kumashiro in May-June 2012 issue of Academe
• Got Dough? Public School Reform in the Age of Venture Philanthropy, Joanne Barkan, Truth-Out via Dissent Magazine

Academe Today Monday July 15, 2013  The Gates Effect: a Special Report Tunnel Vision By Marc Parry, Kelly Field, and Beckie Supiano A look inside the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's $472-million (so far) effort to remake higher education, and at why many in academe are not cheering. How Gates Shapes State Higher-Education Policy By Katherine Mangan Working alongside the Lumina Foundation and through intermediaries like Complete College America, the foundation has seen unprecedented results. Inside the Foundation 'Echo Chamber' By Jennifer Ruark Major grant makers have synchronized their goals for higher-education reform.      Strategic Philanthropy Comes to Higher Education By Ben Gose The Gates foundation is notable not only for its size but also for its approach: Define strategic goals, work closely with grantees, and expect measurable results. Interactive: A Web of Influence Explore the breadth and quantity of money granted by the Bill & Melinda Gates, Lumina, and Kresge foundations. Sortable Table: See a Complete Listing of Grants      'Next Generation' Grant Program Reveals a Corporate Approach By Goldie Blumenstyk The effort is an unusual philanthropic model: It awards money to for-profits as well as nonprofits, and Gates stays engaged even after the grants are given. To Shape the National Conversation, Gates and Lumina Support Journalism By Jennifer Ruark Between 2006 and 2012, according to The Chronicle's analysis, Gates gave $4.7-million in media-related grants to support coverage that included higher education. Commentary: The Gates Foundation's Uncertain Legacy By John R. Thelin How much have the traditional advantages of family and wealth really changed in the sweepstakes of attending and graduating from college? Commentary: The Price of Philanthropy By Robin Rogers Reform efforts that shift the institution of public higher education, but not private higher education, deserve close scrutiny.