EdTrust in Texas
Who We Are
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.
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
We Owe It to Our Kids to Support the Houston ISD Bond Measures
Voters can improve Houston school facilities and student health and safety by voting for Propositions A and B.
Introducing the 2024 Texas Community College Student Advisory Council
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.
Blog
Black Student Groups Face Fallout From SB 17 in Texas
How a new state ban on DEI initiatives at public colleges is impacting student organizations.
Authentic Student Voices: Texas Community College Student Advisory Council Members Attend 2024 CCATT Conference
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
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.
Resources
Teacher Preparation and House Bill 8: Unlocking Community College Funding to Support Aspiring Educators
Texas education advocates and policymakers are seeking innovative solutions to address the state’s alarming reliance on uncertified teachers.
Higher Education in Texas Prisons
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
An EdTrust in Texas deep dive into the pandemic funding awarded to postsecondary students and recommendations moving forward.
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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