Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), every state must develop a plan to provide a quality education to all students, hold schools accountable for how […]
The Education Trust–West is proud to present our 2018 Annual Report. This year we are thrilled to highlight several policy wins, community convenings with advocates, and […]
While California has steadily improved its Cal Grant application rates, it can do even better. Paving the Path to College Aid: Expanding Access to the Cal […]
Each year, over 300,000 eligible students are turned away from Cal Grant awards. Ed Trust–West’s latest Equity Alert, Improving Cal Grant Equity, highlights three barriers to […]
A “free college” movement is sweeping the nation and taking hold in California. Adopted last year and funded this year, the California College Promise program gives […]
Nearly 10 million students are enrolled in California’s schools, colleges, and universities. These students will benefit from the steps California policymakers have taken to shift more […]
One out of every 10 high school seniors in California finishes their final high school year at an alternative school. Yet, so far, these schools haven’t […]
In his proposed budget for 2018-19, Governor Jerry Brown included a proposal to fund the state’s California Community College system more equitably. The new formula would […]
Second in a series exploring English learner equity in California schools, a new report from The Education Trust—West highlights how students learning English are faring in […]
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.