Meet Greg Lippman — Education Leader and RAPSA Forum Presenter
Greg Lippman, CEO of the Groundswell Network, is an education and thought leader dedicated to reimagining schools for students furthest from opportunity. As a valued member of RAPSA’s Leadership Advisory Table—a collaborative group of education leaders guiding the future direction of the RAPSA community—Greg helps shape conversations that advance equity and innovation in education.
At the RAPSA Forum, Greg will present “Opportunity Schools: Scaling Success for Students Furthest from Opportunity.” His session explores how the lessons learned from alternative education can serve as the foundation for a national movement—one that transforms public education for the millions of students who currently fall through the cracks.
In his recent article, Greg shares how the idea of Opportunity Schools has emerged as a unifying and hopeful solution in an often-divided education landscape. He highlights the bipartisan progress already underway in states like Tennessee, where new Opportunity Public Charter Schools are opening doors for students who have historically been overlooked.
Read an excerpt from Greg’s article below:
In education, bipartisan agreement is rare. But there’s one urgent issue that transcends politics: ensuring better schools for our most at-risk students.
At Groundswell Network, we call these schools Opportunity Schools—those designed specifically for young people who have been failed by traditional systems and are at risk of dropping out.
That’s why I’m so encouraged by what’s happening in Tennessee, where leaders across the political spectrum have come together to pass legislation creating the state’s first Opportunity Public Charter Schools. The first of these schools, The Rock Academy in Nashville, will open in 2026, and more are on the way.
Leaders in Tennessee are showing that we can work together to serve students who have been left behind; we can put aside divisions and act with urgency.
Join us at the 13th Annual RAPSA Forum, taking place November 3–5, for three powerful days of learning, networking, and inspiration. This national conference brings together educators, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders who are passionate about supporting At-Promise and Opportunity Youth. With interactive workshops, keynote speakers, and meaningful discussions, the RAPSA Forum is the place to discover innovative strategies and proven practices that create equitable schools and transformative education systems. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with change-makers and leave equipped to make a lasting impact—register today and be part of the movement shaping the future of education.