Who are We

Founded by Barbara Dalio, Dalio Education collaborates with educators, schools, non-profit organizations, and communities across Connecticut to engage young people and achieve positive youth outcomes.

Positive Outcomes through collaborative efforts

Founded by Barbara Dalio, Dalio Education partners with educators, schools, youth-serving organizations, and communities across Connecticut to improve outcomes for young people, especially those facing the greatest barriers.

Our work starts with listening and learning from the people closest to the challenge. We commission independent research, elevate the data behind disconnection, and translate evidence into practical action with our partners.

Because there is no story without data—and no data without story—we focus on what works, share it widely, and help scale it across communities. Since 2015, we’ve invested more than $150 million to support solutions that keep young people connected to school, career, and community.

Mission Statement

Dalio Education advances positive youth outcomes in Connecticut by elevating the voices of those closest to the work, convening diverse stakeholders to collaborate, and investing in and working alongside individuals, organizations, and communities committed to improving the lives and opportunities of young people across the state. “

Our Founder

Barbara Dalio is the Founder and CEO of Dalio Education. She is passionate about working alongside educators, schools, non-profits, employers, and community leaders across Connecticut to build trust and long-term partnerships that improve outcomes for young people.

Barbara’s vision is grounded in listening first, especially to those closest to the challenge, and then using research and data to scale what works. Under her leadership, Dalio Education brings people together across sectors to turn insight into action and expand opportunities for youth who are struggling to stay connected to school, career, and community.

Our Story

Dalio Education began with a simple quest: Barbara Dalio spending time with educators, listening, asking questions, and showing up again and again. Over years of conversations with teachers, counselors, and school leaders across Connecticut, one pattern kept coming up: when young people start to fall off track, the ripple effects show up everywhere, classrooms, families, local employers, and entire communities.

Those conversations helped clarify something bigger. At-risk youth isn’t a “side issue.” It’s often the root of challenges communities are trying to solve, lower graduation rates, workforce gaps, increased strain on social services, and cycles that are hard to break. And the earlier we act, the more lives (and communities) can change course.

That’s why our work is built the way it is today: we listen first, invest in independent research, and partner across sectors to turn evidence into practical action—so more young people can reconnect to school, career, and community.

How we work

Our work is grounded in a simple idea: lasting change happens when listening, evidence, and collaboration come together.

Listen first

We start with the people closest to the challenge, young people, educators, and community partners, and we keep listening as conditions change.

Lead with evidence

We commission independent research, elevate the data behind disconnection, and use what we learn to guide decisions and investments.

Partner to act

We work alongside schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and communities to turn insights into practical, on-the-ground solutions.

Focus on what works

We prioritize strategies that show real results and help strengthen them through shared learning and support.

Measure and improve

We track progress, learn openly, and adapt, because doing the work is not enough; improving the work is part of the work.

Scale impact responsibly

When something works, we help grow it thoughtfully—so more young people can reconnect to school, career, and community.