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Phillip Lovell

Associate Executive Director, All4Ed

Phillip Lovell serves as All4Ed’s Associate Executive Director. He is a passionate advocate for the nation’s underserved children and youth, having spent the past two decades advocating on Capitol Hill in areas such as juvenile justice, homelessness, and education.

Mr. Lovell joined All4Ed in 2010 and leads the organization’s policy development and government relations efforts on Capitol Hill, with the White House, and with the U.S. Department of Education to advocate for federal policy that will prepare the nation’s students to graduate high school ready for college and the workforce. He also leads All4Ed’s effort at the state level to ensure that high schools with low graduation rates receive comprehensive support and that all students have access to rigorous college and career pathways. Additionally, he has led All4Ed’s effort to close the Homework Gap and increase federal funding for internet access among the nation’s schools and libraries. Mr. Lovell serves as a frequent spokesperson for All4Ed, including on Federal Flash, All4Ed’s video series that provides education stakeholders with regular updates on federal education policy.

Mr. Lovell began his career as policy coordinator for the National Crime Prevention Council, best known for its public advertising campaign featuring “McGruff the Crime Dog.” While working for McGruff, he worked with colleague organizations to develop and advocate for the Younger Americans Act, legislation designed to create the nation’s first comprehensive federal youth policy. He also cofounded the National Youth Network, a partnership of more than twenty national youth organizations with the U.S. Department of Justice that strengthened the voice of young people regarding juvenile justice during the youth violence epidemic of the late 1990s. Subsequently, as director of public policy for Camp Fire USA, Mr. Lovell represented nearly 750,000 children and youth, advancing issues such as childcare and afterschool programs and leading Camp Fire USA’s efforts to secure federal funds to expand positive youth development programs.

Most recently, Mr. Lovell served as vice president for education, housing, and youth policy at First Focus and America’s Promise Alliance, founded by Ret. General Colin Powell. He represented the organization on Capitol Hill and in the media, raising the visibility of the impact of the “Great Recession” on children, and leading legislation to address the academic and nonacademic needs facing underserved students and high school dropouts. While at America’s Promise Alliance, he led the advocacy effort to pass the Federal Youth Coordination Act, legislation designed to improve coordination and communication among federal agencies serving young people. He also led the advocacy effort to double federal funding for homeless students in the economic stimulus package passed in 2009.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Lovell has written several publications on many issues, including children in the federal budget, homeless children and families, and disconnected youth. His work has been referenced in media outlets including CNN, USA Today, C-span, and Time magazine. Mr. Lovell is frequently called upon by congressional aides to help in the development of legislation to strengthen education policy for underserved students.

Mr. Lovell has an undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in international politics. He and his wife, Beth, have two daughters and a son.

Articles by Phillip

March 22, 2024

Blog | Accountability and Support, College and Career Pathways, Congress, Every Student Succeeds Act, Federal Education Budget, US Department of Education

What’s in the Bipartisan Spending Deal?

Legislation funding the Department of Education for FY 2024 was finally unveiled. The primary theme? It could have been worse
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November 6, 2023

Publication | College and Career Pathways, Higher Education, State Policy Center

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

Evidence demonstrates the power of dual enrollment to increase postsecondary enrollment and completion. But it has an Achilles heel: credit transfer.
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June 30, 2021

Federal Flash | Congress, Digital Divide, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Education Budget, Higher Education, Other Priorities, US Department of Education

Happy Pride—Title IX Protects LGBTQ+ Students

The U.S. Department of Education's new Title IX guidance protects transgender students. Plus, schools and libraries can apply for $7.2 billion in Emergency Connectivity Funding from the American Rescue Plan.
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March 11, 2021

Federal Flash | Accountability and Support, Assessment, Congress, COVID Response & Recovery, Digital Divide, US Department of Education

Rescue Me: How the American Rescue Plan Act Helps Students

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act is headed to President Biden’s desk, including much-needed investments in K–12 education and a groundbreaking change to …
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February 16, 2021

Federal Flash | Congress, COVID Response & Recovery, Data, Funding Equity, US Department of Education

CDC Says, “Back to School (Safely)!”

Dr. Miguel Cardona’s confirmation process and coronavirus aid move forward on Capitol Hill, and the administration releases new guidance on school reopening. Last week, …
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January 31, 2021

Federal Flash | Congress, COVID Response & Recovery, Federal Communications Commission, US Department of Education

What’s in Biden’s Rescue Plan for Schools?

In today’s Federal Flash we cover the latest actions and proposals from the White House, appointments to the new administration, and legislation on learning …
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