On Thursday, February 25th, the UCR School of Public Policy will be hosting a virtual seminar on “Research, Policy, and Advocacy: A Conversation about Education Equity in California,” by Mayra Lara, associate director of educator engagement at The Education Trust - West.

According to her profile, Lara “works closely with County Offices of Education, school districts, schools, and educators helping shape meaningful policies and practices which will have lasting, positive impacts on students. She also leads ETW’s college and career readiness work, with a specific focus on underrepresented students of color, low-income students and emergent bilingual students.”

The Education Trust is an equity-driven, data-centered, student-focused nonprofit working to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately impact students from low-income families and students of color. They serve as “advocates for educational justice and the high academic achievement of all California students, pre-k through college, particularly those of color and living in poverty.” The Education Trust - West is housed under this nonprofit.

“Dr. Lara has witnessed educational inequities first hand while teaching for the Los Angeles Unified School District,” said Andrea Rayas, a fourth year public policy student. “She now uses those experiences to help shape equitable education policies and practices for future generations of students.”

This event is open to the general public. Attendees must register to attend. Registrants will receive an email in advance of the event with a link to join. 

Since 2014, the UCR School of Public Policy Seminar Series has been bringing policy makers, practitioners, and researchers to campus to talk about various policy issues facing the region and beyond. During the shelter-in-place order for California, all events are being held online. For more information about the series, visit spp.ucr.edu/events.