Our mission is to transform the lives of students - especially those who will be the first in their family to attend college - by preparing them for success in college, career, and life. This mission is grounded in the urgency to create opportunities for first-generation college-going students, so that they have access to an education that will fundamentally change the trajectory of their lives. Envision’s Portfolio Defense model accomplishes this by giving students, particularly those who are historically underserved, the academic and social-emotional skills they need to first get into college and then persist until they earn a degree. Simply put, ours is an equity mission. Envision Education was co-founded by Daniel McLaughlin, a former Senior Research Associate at WestEd, and Bob Lenz, a nationally recognized school reform leader and Project-Based Learning expert. Envision began operations as a 501(c)(3) charter school management organization in June 2002. Today, Envision Education runs four small, high-performing urban public schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Envision Schools integrate a challenging curriculum that requires all students to complete the A-G Common Core coursework, ensuring that they are eligible and prepared to attend a four-year university. Our educators also create project-based assignments that challenge students to use the 21st Century Skills, of thinking critically, solving problems resourcefully, and collaborating productively, that are needed to thrive in college, in future careers, and in life. Students have an opportunity to use these skills and show what they know through portfolio presentations and defenses. Similar to a dissertation, these presentations are required to graduate and are invaluable in preparing students for life after high school. Building on the success of our schools, Envision Education created a consultancy division in 2010, called Envision Learning Partners, to transform the educational experience for students across the country. Using the Envision Schools model, Envision Learning Partners works with progressive teachers and leaders throughout the United States to create vibrant schools and engage students deeply in their own learning. Envision Education is a national model for using Performance Assessment to prepare students for success in college and in life. Envision Education operates three small high schools and one middle school. Our graduates succeed in college at significantly higher rates than the national averages: 99% attend college and 90% persist once they get there.