The Education Trust promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels—pre-kindergarten through college. Our goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement that consign far too many young people—especially those from low-income families or who are Black, Latino, or American Indian—to lives on the margins of the American mainstream.

Although many organizations speak up for the adults employed by schools and colleges, we speak up for students, especially those whose needs and potential are often overlooked. We evaluate every policy, every practice, and every dollar spent through a single lens: what is right for students.

We work alongside educators, parents, students, policymakers, and civic and business leaders in communities across the country, providing practical assistance in their efforts to transform schools and colleges into institutions that serve all students well.  

We analyze local, state, and national data and use what we learn to help build broader understanding of achievement and opportunity gaps and the actions necessary to close them.  

We participate actively in national and state policy debates, bringing lessons learned from on-the-ground work and from unflinching data analyses to build the case for policies that will help all students and schools reach high levels of achievement.

Our Core Beliefs:
We believe in the power of education to close the gaps that separate low-income students and students of color from other young Americans. 

We believe that schools and colleges, appropriately organized, can help virtually all students master the knowledge they need to succeed.  

We believe long-standing gaps in opportunity, achievement, and attainment have roots inside and outside of schools. And though we know these gaps are stubborn, we also know they are not inevitable.  

We believe a strong education improves the lives of young people, is vital to sustaining our democracy, and strengthens America.

Education

The Education Trust

Denise Forte

Ameshia Cross

Ivy Morgan

Douglas Brownlee

Augustus Mays

Wil del Pilar

Allison Socol

Karen Lomax-Hart

Alexza Barajas Clark

The Higher Education Policy and Research Team at The Education Trust focuses on analyzing and advocating for policies that promote equity and high academic achievement in higher education. This team conducts rigorous research on achievement and opportunity gaps, develops evidence-based policy recommendations, and engages with stakeholders at national and state levels. Their goal is to ensure that all students, particularly those from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds, receive the support they need to succeed in higher education.

Higher Education Policy and Research Team

Policy and Research Team

Communications Team

Higher Education Policy and Research Team

About

Team members

Other teams at The Education Trust

Policy and Research Team

Communications Team