Elevating Student Voice
The Education Trust in Tennessee works to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families. Through our research and advocacy, we support efforts that expand excellence and equity in education from preschool through college, increase college access and completion particularly for historically undeserved students, engage diverse communities dedicated to education equity, and increase political and public will to act on equity issues.
We believe student voices and perspectives must be centered in the work we do, and that students must be part of our efforts to design and plan our advocacy agenda.
About the Councils
The P-12 and Higher Education Policy Councils at The Education Trust in Tennessee are comprised of civil rights, education, research, public policy, business, and community leaders who have a demonstrated commitment to educational equity in our state. Council members act as ambassadors, advocates, and allies to help expand and deepen the influence of the organization by providing access to new alliances and critical thought-partnership on a range of issues impacting the public education system in Tennessee. The councils advise The Education Trust in Tennessee with a bold policy agenda that illuminates the magnitude of the achievement gap in education, challenges the status quo on behalf of children, and empowers our diverse Tennessee communities.
The P-12 Policy Council will focus on issues related to early learning and Pre-K, teachers and leaders, accountability, social-emotional supports, school funding, and college readiness with the goal of making sure every student in Tennessee graduates prepared to succeed in college and life.
The Higher Education Council will focus on issues related to college access, affordability, and completion, with the goal of advancing policies that ensure more students of color and students from low-income families graduate from college in Tennessee.
Student Expectations
Student Policy Council members will:
- Provide input on key issues in their respective areas of interest in education
- Attend up to 4-5 meetings a year to discuss key education policy issues
- Provide input and feedback on research, reports and fact sheets created by the Education Trust in Tennessee
- Meet with two or more policymakers over the course of the term
- Write one blog post or op-ed about an area of interest in education policy
How to Apply
Applications open to rising high school juniors and seniors in public schools, and college students in Tennessee.
Deadline: Friday, May 8, 2020, at 11:59 PM Central Standard Time (CST) Apply Now