BERKELEY, CA. — The University of California, Berkeley, has launched the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), a comprehensive hub designed to improve public school facilities nationwide. Based at Berkeley’s Institute of Urban and Regional Development (IURD) and supported by the U.S. Department of Education, the center aims to modernize elementary and secondary (PreK-12) schools by providing resources, data, and targeted support to state and local leaders.

The center defines a modern school facility as one that is safe, energy-efficient, equitable, educationally inspiring, climate-resilient, and accessible to its community. By addressing these criteria, the NCSI seeks to strengthen system-wide capacity to build, operate, and maintain high-quality schools across the U.S.

A Resource for Leaders

The NCSI serves as a national clearinghouse for policy guidance, best practices, and research on school facilities. It partners with experts to offer training, tools, and data analysis to help state and local leaders address key challenges in school infrastructure. Specific areas of focus include governance, funding, data systems, and accountability. The center also works to highlight the relationship between school facilities and student health and learning outcomes.

In addition to offering general resources, the NCSI builds databases to provide stakeholders with insights into public school facilities at the local, state, and national levels. These tools are designed to inform evidence-based decisions that improve equity and access.

Supporting High-Needs Schools

As a designated assistance provider under the U.S. Department of Education’s Supporting America’s School Infrastructure (SASI) program, the NCSI facilitates technical support for eight state and territorial agencies, including California. With a $5 million federal grant, the center is collaborating with the California Department of Education to address challenges at 165 high-needs schools. This effort focuses on creating healthier, more equitable learning environments for students.

Collaborative Expertise

The NCSI operates as a consortium that draws on the expertise of four organizations:

• UC Berkeley’s Institute of Urban and Regional Development (IURD): The IURD has a long history of engaging in interdisciplinary research and fostering investments in community resilience. Within IURD, the Center for Cities + Schools provides nearly two decades of experience in public school facility research and support.
• 21st Century School Fund (21CSF): With over 30 years of expertise in school facilities planning and modernization, 21CSF has led initiatives such as the State of Our Schools reports and national coalitions advocating for equitable infrastructure investments.
• National Council on School Facilities (NCSF): This nonprofit organization supports state officials in delivering safe, sustainable, and educationally appropriate school facilities.
• Child Trends: A leading source for research on children, Child Trends contributes its expertise in creating supportive learning environments and analyzing trends affecting student well-being.

Looking Ahead

The NCSI is tasked with promoting school infrastructure that meets the demands of the 21st century. Its goals include ensuring equity in access, improving climate resilience, and fostering stronger ties between schools and their communities. By providing evidence-based tools and strategies, the center aims to empower decision-makers at every level to create facilities that support student success.

To stay informed about the National Center on School Infrastructure, sign up to the NCSI mailing list.