Tomorrow Talks | From Equal to Effective: Reexamining Public Education

As we prepare for the 14th Annual Tom Tom Festival (April 22–26, 2026), whose theme is COURAGE, the Tomorrow Talk series invites us to explore what courage looks like—in our personal lives, our neighborhoods, our communities, and our society.

What does it truly mean for a community to prioritize education? Despite decades of increased investment in public schools, significant gaps in literacy, attendance, and long-term outcomes persist—especially for children growing up in poverty. In this Tomorrow Talk, Price Thomas, Executive Director of City of Promise, draws on research and lived experience to explore how learning is shaped not only by classrooms, but by the broader social, economic, and civic conditions surrounding young people.

Grounded in insights from the 2025 Tom Tom Festival’s Education Innovator Summit and a research partnership with the UVA College of Arts and Sciences, the talk introduces the community schools model as a way to understand education as a shared ecosystem. By examining how schools, families, local government, and community organizations can better align their efforts, the conversation invites participants to rethink what it takes for students to fully engage and succeed.

/// TICKETS ///

Tickets are offered at GA ($30) and Scholarship ($15).

/// ABOUT TOMORROW TALKS ///

The Tomorrow Talks are a year-long series that picks up critical themes from our April Festival and continues the conversations to create impact in Charlottesville. Each session is facilitated with an emphasis on participation, connection, and new collaborations. Tomorrow Talks begin with a connection exercise or meditation, and proceed into a presentation and breakout activities. They aim to impart knowledge that is practical and relevant to people's lived experience; combining academic or theoretical insights, alongside pragmatic tools, and experiential and somatic learnings.

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Host or Publisher Tom Tom Foundation