Course Access
Across New York State, Black, Latinx, Native American students, and students from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately excluded from advanced coursework, creating significant equity challenges. Access to courses like computer science, Calculus, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and college credit opportunities in high school gives students a competitive edge in college admissions and increases their likelihood of success in higher education and future careers.
Our Equity-Centered Approach
We work alongside our partners of the New York Equity Coalition to create an equity narrative in support of course access statewide through data analysis and student perspective. Our collective efforts helped enact New York State legislation in 2023 that will increase access to advanced coursework by directing school districts to inform families early about the benefits of enrolling in advanced classes, as well as how and when to enroll.
We continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that increase the number of Black, Latinx, Native American students and students from low-income backgrounds enrollment in advanced coursework. We support initiatives that will provide a better understanding of which students are participating in programs and the barriers to increased participation.
Latest Resource
Report: Within Our Reach. Who’s in? Who’s Out?
This report explores several reasons for inequitable access to advanced coursework and examines statewide enrollment figures for the 2021-22 school year, as well as whether students of color and students from low-income backgrounds attend schools with such courses.
Featured Reports and Resources Over the Years
Report: Regional Data on Course Access
Student Voice: Equitable Access Now Blog Series
Report: Proficient and Passed Over
Blog: Bill That Would Improve Access to Advanced Coursework Passes!
Data Snapshot
Only
%
of Native Americans, 9% of Black, and 8% of Latinx students are enrolled in AP/IB math/science courses statewide
Only
%
of students from low-income backgrounds attend a school that offers AP/IB courses
More Resources
Arlen Benjamin-Gomez named executive director of EdTrust-New York
Prior to joining Ed Trust–NY, Arlen worked as an education equity advocate and policymaker for more than 20 years, deeply rooted in the fabric of New York. She recently served as an education equity advisor and consultant, collaborating closely with states, districts, and nonprofit organizations to propel racial, socioeconomic, and cultural equity in education.
Invest in EdTrust-New York’s collective advocacy this Giving Tuesday
With your support this Giving Tuesday our work can continue to advance educational justice in New York State.
Transitioning from EdTrust-New York: a letter from our executive director
“While I have relished the demanding role of leading Ed Trust–NY over the past three years, I am well aware that the battle for genuine educational equity will persist in its difficulty. To secure a promising and prosperous future for all children, we must have our most dedicated advocates at the forefront, operating at their peak. Now, it is time for me to seek respite.”
Supreme Court affirmative action ruling is a threat to equity in New York
Diversity is core to the fabric of our state. In the coming months, we are hopeful that New York State leaders make clear strides to maintain diversity on campuses in the wake of this ruling.
Congrats to our 2023-24 Equity Partnership Program grantees!
Each year, through our Equity Partnership Program, we provide technical assistance and grants to support advocacy capacity to community-based and parent-serving organizations. This year, we made changes to the program to deepen our impact on several key issues and are thrilled to announce eight organizations that will be taking on critical equity work that advances our policy priorities.
Testimony: 2023 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing — Elementary and Secondary Education
As the budget season progresses, we presented before the New York State Senate and Assembly 2023 Joint Legislative Budget Hearing regarding elementary and secondary education priorities.