Explore Our Impact

VELA was established in 2019 to catalyze the community-driven innovation happening outside of the traditional K-12 education system.

Today, we are the nation’s leading network of entrepreneurs providing alternatives to traditional schooling.

3,515

Founders in THE VELA FOUNDER Network

5.3M

LEARNERS AND FAMILIES SERVED BY VELA FOUNDERS

$254M

TOTAL DOLLARS REQUESTED BY FOUNDERS

$38.1M

TOTAL DOLLARS INVESTED IN FOUNDERS

The VELA Founder Network is growing every day, with founders in all 50 states and three U.S. territories collectively building a vibrant educational ecosystem.

The majority of founders in the VELA Founder Network operate learning environments, but the network also includes ecosystem builders who provide direct services and support for the alternative education ecosystem.

Collectively, VELA founders are empowering families to take charge of their children’s educational journey.

Chart of founders by program type
Chart of founders by Learning Environment type
Chart of founders by ecosystem builder type

VELA Founders are collectively journeying towards new frontiers in education. They are building a future where families, students, and educators don’t just participate—they lead.

VELA is deeply committed to learning alongside the thousands of entrepreneurs in the VELA Founder Network and sharing insights from the alternative education ecosystem.