During our 2023 summer convening Equity Forward: Education Equity in Los Angeles County, we led participants through a Data Equity Walk to dig deeper into the […]
College affordability is one of the most significant barriers to a postsecondary degree. One key to accessing financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal […]
This tool is a companion to the report, Jumpstart: Using Goals to Drive Equitable Dual Enrollment Participation in California’s Community Colleges. Within the tool, there are […]
As of 9/30/2022, the data included in this tool is under review and in the process of being updated. We encourage users to reference original data […]
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a heavy toll academically, emotionally, and financially on college students across the state. Our spring 2020 poll of higher education students revealed that […]
The digital and technology resource divide is not a new phenomenon facing school-aged children of color and children experiencing poverty. A recent study found that, nationally, around 17% of children are unable to complete their homework […]
Undocumented Students in California: What You Should Know, provides a quick and accessible snapshot of our state’s undocumented student population. The resource highlights key demographic data on […]
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.