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Equity-Minded. Student-Focused. Evidence-Driven.

Our Mission

EdTrust-West is committed to dismantling the racial and economic barriers embedded in the California education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust-West engages diverse communities dedicated to education equity and justice and increases political and public will to build an education system where students of color and multilingual learners, especially those experiencing poverty, will thrive.
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Growing Together: Fostering Belonging for Parenting Students at California State University

Beyond Neutrality Action Guides

Black Girl Brilliance: Using Data to Catalyze Change for California’s Black Girls

Black Minds Matter: Supporting the Educational Success of Black Children in California

Standing Together: California’s Protections for Undocumented and Immigrant Students

EdTrust-West’s 2025 Policy Agenda

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Sign up for our mailing list for the latest updates, action alerts, and opportunities. Join our community of advocates working together to change the state’s education system.

Our Impact

Over the past few years, EdTrust-West has reaffirmed the power of our organization’s unique value, playing a pivotal role in crucial statewide policy changes and supporting equity-driven practices across California.

$200M Secured (2020–2023)

Won for expanding dual enrollment programs equitably-helping more Black, Latinx, and Native American students access early college.

43,000+ More Students Applying for College Aid Each Year (2020–2023)
Driving policy change that increases access to higher education for students of color.
75% of Equity 8 Proposals Became Law (2020–2023)
Securing legislative wins that close equity gaps and support student success
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What We Do

We champion the closure of achievement and opportunity gaps in TK-12 schools and higher education through legislative advocacy, partnering with educators, and conducting policy analyses. Our focus is on promoting equity in schools, colleges, and universities. By collaborating, developing capacity-building programs, and forming coalitions with education equity leaders and communities, we offer insights and evidence-based solutions for systemic change in education policies and initiatives.
Who We Are
Dive into our history, mission, and the values that drive us forward.
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Resources
Browse our resources, research, and tools.
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Meet Our Team
Get to know the individuals and teams leading to our success.
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Press Releases
Discover our latest news and share the stories.
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We envision a California where education equity is baked into every policy decision, every student is set up for academic success, and an opportunity gap no longer exists for students of color, multilingual learners, and students from low-income communities.

Our Latest Resources

Publications and Reports
Browse our detailed data analyses and policy recommendations.
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Data Tools
We’ve created data-informed tools for teachers, parents, advocates, policymakers, and students to support better decision-making.
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Advocacy Tools

We’ve crafted a comprehensive set of advocacy tools, including data-driven insights and policy analyses, to educate our partners on the pressing challenges and opportunities within California’s educational landscape.

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Read Our Blog

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At EdTrust-West, we believe a different California is possible:

A California that ensures that Black, Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native American students’ futures are as bright as their dreams are big. We believe that our state’s schools, colleges, and universities can form the bedrock of a more just California.

Karla Fernandez

Communications Manager

Karla Fernandez (she/her/hers) joins Ed Trust–West as a Communications Manager with over 11 years of experience advancing social impact initiatives.

Karla started her career as a teacher at Chicago Public Schools and UIC College Prep. After teaching, Karla joined United Friends of the Children to support LA County’s youth in foster care as a college counselor. Through Leadership for Educational Equity, Karla also served as a Policy Advisor Fellow for the office of a Los Angeles Unified School Board Member. She solidified her interests in policy analysis and quantitative research during her time with the Price Center for Social Innovation, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, and the USC Presidential Working Group on Sustainability. Before joining The Education Trust–West, Karla was the Associate Director for the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Collaborative, a network of nonprofits advocating for communities in SELA.

Karla holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Chicago, a Master of Public Policy from the USC Price School of Public Policy, and a Graduate Certificate in Policy Advocacy from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Karla is based out of southern California and is passionate about using data analysis, communications, and digital strategies for policy advocacy and social justice efforts.