#MergerMondays: Local & Global Education
Two recent mergers—one local, one global—show how partnerships in education can expand opportunity and strengthen communities in lasting ways.
In Fort Wayne, Early Childhood Alliance (ECA) has merged with EverRootED ECA Inc., an education-focused, faith-integrated nonprofit also based in the city. The merger, approved unanimously by ECA’s former board of directors, takes effect immediately and ensures the organization’s long-standing mission continues without interruption. For more than 70 years, ECA has been a cornerstone of early childhood care and education in northeast Indiana. Under the new structure, the organization will retain its familiar name and brand, with Patty Crisp—a veteran in youth counseling and early education—serving as interim executive director, and Sherry Grate leading the new three-person board of directors. Together, they’ll reach more families, offer greater support for early educators, and continue advocating for the region’s youngest learners.
Across the globe, Girl Rising has merged with She’s the First, joining forces to empower adolescent girls through education and life skills. Following the merger, Girl Rising India is expanding its curriculum across four Indian states—Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh—reaching over 2.5 lakh (250,000) adolescents in just three years. The program equips students with critical tools in gender equity, digital and financial literacy, and climate awareness, while also engaging 200,000 teachers through its digital platforms. By weaving storytelling with skill-building, the organization helps young people envision and create a more equitable future.
Both collaborations reflect a shared truth: education is a community’s most enduring investment. Whether it’s nurturing toddlers in Indiana or empowering teenage girls in India, these mergers represent more than organizational growth, they symbolize hope, connection, and the belief that learning can transform lives.
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