Why is the group that you chose to research important?

I chose to investigate the Education Trust because it is a national nonprofit organization that works to close opportunity gaps for students who come from low-income families. Ed Trust strives for equity in education from preschool through college and makes efforts to increase college access and completion. Their main focus is to speak up for students to improve the school system to support their needs and potential. They analyze local, state, and national data to understand the opportunity gaps and actions that can be done to help close them.

Brief history of the educational organization that you have researched along with the purpose of the organization?

Ed Trust’s mission is to provide high-quality learning opportunities for all students regarding their skin color, families’ income, language spoken at home, or who they love. Through their research, they are hoping to promote engaging learning opportunities, increase college access and completion, and raise political and public awareness on equity in education. The website indicates that they prioritize the social justice movement as their core value, and their goal is to improve the lives of those who are historically underserved, including Black students, Latino students, and students from low-income families.

Whom do they serve? Programs offered?

This organization serves students, parents, educators, and even policymakers to make changes for students from low-income backgrounds. They provide research programs to help recognize equity issues in the P-12 education system and promote practices and policies that help close opportunity gaps for low-income students. They also work for college students to help complete their education as postsecondary education is considered a ticket to achieving social and economic mobility.

What could they do better?

I believe that the Education Trust is doing well in terms of supporting low-income students. They list out clear information on what measures they are taking to provide resources for students. They are frequently holding events to spread information about resolving equity issues. However, I think they could do better by holding various events with more students involved. Students should also be able to know that there is an organization working to improve the overall quality of education system, and it should not only be limited to parents and educators.

Was information about the organization accessible?

Yes, information about the organization was accessible because the website clearly states what effort they are putting in to help reach their goal. I did not have much problem accessing information that I was searching for on the organization’s website.

What other organizations are doing similar work?

1. iMentor: a New-York based organization that matches students from low-income communities to mentors. The students develop a strong bond with their mentors and are given one-on-one advice on graduating high school and attending college.
2. National College Access Network (NCAN): This organization’s goal is to provide better education access to low-income and underrepresented students. Their strategy is to make sure that those who help students are well-trained and well-informed.

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Works Cited:

The Education Trust. Retrieved February 3, 2022, from https://edtrust.org/ 

Wignall, A. (2021, April 13). 8 great organizations that help low-income students. College Raptor Blog. Retrieved February 3, 2022, from https://www.collegeraptor.com/getting-in/articles/college-admissions/8-awesome-organizations-that-help-low-income-students-get-to-college/