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 […]
Research from @edtrustwest and partners finds that 2.1 million students who attend California’s community colleges will greatly benefit if #Prop16 is passed, which provides a new opportunity to address structural racism in education and workforce!
Education equity is on the ballot this November, and we have a historic opportunity to advance racial justice in California with Propositions 15 and 16 – […]
As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes in California, education leaders are taking stock of student needs as they plan for the return of all students to in-person […]
For over 25 years, Proposition 209 has prevented the state from taking active measures to prevent discrimination and ensure equality of opportunity. California legislators have a […]
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits will be available for eligible California families soon! Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals at […]
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 […]
As an education equity organization, Ed Trust recognizes that America’s most vulnerable students are at particular risk while schools are closed. So while school leaders, teachers, […]
Preparing for the coronavirus through an educational equity lens starts by recognizing that vulnerable students are at particular risk if schools close for any length of […]
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.