Imagine you are a 39-year-old single parent and early childhood educator of 20 years. One day, you learn that you lack the proper credentials. Even though […]
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!
The Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan provides an opportunity to ensure the students most deeply affected by school closures receive the support they need to thrive […]
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 […]
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 […]
Over a million students of color attend California’s community colleges, gaining technical skills and education that prepares them for transfer and a variety of different trades […]
One of the largest barriers to attaining a degree is college affordability – but it doesn’t have to be. California educates approximately 1 out of every […]
Recently, the California Department of Education released the results of our state’s college- and career-readiness aligned assessments, the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). […]
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.