About The Education Trust-West

Who we are

We work for the high academic achievement of all students at all levels, kindergarten through college.  While we know that all schools and colleges could better serve their students, we concentrate on the institutions most often left behind — those serving low-income, Latino, African American or Native American students.

“The Education Trust – West is

the conscience of this state.’’

–         Joanne Mendoza, Retired Deputy

State Superintendent

We are squarely and relentlessly focused on California’s most serious problem: the huge achievement gaps separating poor students and students of color from other young Californians.

What we do

We work side-by-side with superintendents, principals, students, teachers, parents, business and community leaders — in cities and towns throughout California — who are trying to transform their schools and colleges into institutions that genuinely serve all students.  We especially work to ensure that all students have the opportunity to enroll in and successfully complete California’s college readiness curriculum.  In today’s and tomorrow’s economy, Ready for Work and Ready for College mean the same thing: Ready for Life.  Our goal is that high school graduates are empowered and prepared to choose among all postsecondary options.

History

Described frequently as “the most important truth teller in American education,” The Education Trust was established in 1990 in Washington D.C. by the American Association for Higher Education as a special project to encourage colleges and universities to support K-12 reform efforts.  Since then, EdTrust has grown into an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to make schools and colleges work for all of the young people they serve.

EdTrust West is the West Coast presence of The Education Trust.  With the generous support of The James Irvine Foundation, we opened our doors in September 2001 in Oakland, CA.