The Mechner Foundation has been guided by Dr. Francis Mechner’s philosophical vision and interests. A unifying theme has been the application of behavioral sciences to preserve and enhance human quality of life. The foundation’s pursuits are enriched by Jordan Mechner, David Mechner, and Dr. Emily Mechner. The foundation is currently conducting research on applying behavioral science to governance theory, cyberconferencing technology, the design of specialized languages, and digital platform systems required for cyberconferencing technology as well as societal self-governance and direct democracy.
Since its inception, the Foundation has maintained a program of basic and applied research in the behavioral sciences, some in collaboration with other institutions and eight university laboratories
Founding grant to the
Blacksmith Institute.
Bringing to light the work of the painter Solomon Lerner (1890-1963).
Painting by F. Mechner
One of the Foundation’s principal pursuits has been educational innovation. Queens Paideia School demonstrated how the foundation’s approach to K-12 education, with its 6:1 student-teacher ratio, individualization tools, and emphasis on thinking skills, beginning reading, and numeracy results in outstanding academic achievement and personal growth, with implications for school reform. (SUMMER 2024)
