EdTrust in Texas

Who We Are

EdTrust in Texas logo
EdTrust in Texas advocates for an equitable education for Black and Latino students and students from low-income backgrounds across the state. We believe in centering the voices of Texas students and families as we work alongside them for the better future they deserve.

Texas state flag

What We Do

WE BRIDGE POLICY AND COMMUNITY: Our goal is to drive an inclusive conversation about how every Texan can benefit from an education system that better serves students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, pre-k through college and career.

We work with key education stakeholders, including policymakers, thought leaders, practitioners, community groups, civic organizations, parents, and students to:

  • Draw attention to inequities in Texas by identifying and analyzing data that disproportionately affect underserved students across the state
  • Equip partners with actionable and accessible tools to advance better educational outcomes and opportunities for underserved students, pre-K through college
  • Advocate for policies and practices that improve opportunities and outcomes for students of color, English learners, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities

 


Press Releases

Introducing the 2024 Texas Community College Student Advisory Council

May 01, 2024 by Ed Trust

The Council’s student members are a diverse group, including first-generation college students, student-parents, student government leaders, and individuals from various races, ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds.

State Board of Education Approves New Teacher Preparation Standards

April 16, 2024 by Ed Trust

The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) approved a number of new standards adopted by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) to better prepare aspiring Texas teachers regardless of their pathway into the profession

Blog

Authentic Student Voices: Texas Community College Student Advisory Council Members Attend 2024 CCATT Conference

September 24, 2024 by EdTrust in Texas

Texas Community College Student Advisory Council members recently attended the CCATT Conference, where they raised concerns about the need for more student supports & smoother credit transfer policies, & proposed solutions to these & other pressing issues impacting community college students.

Houston Takes Steps to Make Sure Students Are Ready for College or Careers

September 17, 2024 by Judith Cruz

Houston ISDs college- and career-readiness goal will ensure that students not only graduate but do so with meaningful credentials in hand or advanced courses under their belt that show they are ready for college coursework or a career.

Underperforming Schools in Texas and the Lack of A-F School Ratings

August 27, 2024 by Judith Cruz

Texas now faces the possibility of a fifth consecutive year without issuing consequential school ratings.

Resources

Higher Education in Texas Prisons

June 25, 2024 by Alexa Garza

This brief looks at Higher Education in Prison (HEP) in Texas as it relates to programs provided inside the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).

Higher Education Emergency Aid in Texas

May 10, 2024 by Ed Trust

An EdTrust in Texas deep dive into the pandemic funding awarded to postsecondary students and recommendations moving forward.

Straight From the Source: Texas Students & Practitioners Share Their Experiences With Higher Ed Emergency Relief Funds

April 23, 2024 by Ed Trust

This report spotlights challenges that various Texas institutions faced and the creative ways in which these institutions confronted them and offers recommendations organized around key findings.

Staff

Jonathan Feinstein

State Director for Texas

Jonathan serves as the State Director of Texas, where he works with and supports partners statewide to advance educational equity for students of color and from low-income backgrounds.

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Judith Cruz

Texas Assistant Director, Houston Region

Judith manages and executes policy goals and advocacy activities within the Houston region in collaboration with the Texas State Director.

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Alexa Garza

Higher Education Justice Initiatives Analyst/Texas Policy Analyst

Alexa Garza assists with day-to-day tasks for the implementation of the Justice Fellows Policy Program. Additionally, she assists in advancing the agenda in Texas to improve access and workforce opportunities for the current and formerly incarcerated.

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Andrea Thurston

Senior Higher Education Policy Analyst for Texas

Andrea manages and evaluates research projects to identify structures and policies that support Texas students’ postsecondary persistence and completion and develop policy agendas that advance educational equity.

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