Ballmer Group Philanthropy has pledged nearly $1 billion over the next decade to significantly increase preschool access for low-income families in Washington.
40 years old in the state Early Childhood Education and Support Program (ECEAP) currently serves over 14,000 students. With the new funding, it will add about 10,000 additional seats, starting with 2,000 new spots next year.
Representatives of the Ballmer Group, created by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife Connie Ballmer, announced the gift today along with Governor Bob Ferguson, lawmakers and educators.
Steve Ballmer’s philanthropy
To use the funds, the state cannot reduce the number of state-funded ECEAP seats.
The support comes as Washington faces budget deficits and precedes the Trump administration to block Funding for Head Start and can spike Preschool program.
“Balmer Group’s investment establishes an innovative public-private partnership, and will change the lives of thousands of young Washingtonians and their families,” Ferguson said.
The philanthropy previously gave $43 million through 2023 to support early childhood education in Washington.
Ballmer, who led Microsoft from 2000 to 2014, has a net worth of $154.2 billion, according to Forbes. He remains the tech giant’s largest shareholder.