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
New Report Finds Thousands of Qualified New York Students “Proficient and Passed Over” for Eighth Grade Algebra 1
The New York Equity Coalition, convened by EdTrust-New York, released a new report, Proficient and Passed Over: Disparities in Eighth Grade Algebra 1 Enrollment, showing that New York schools deny tens of thousands of academically prepared students access to eighth grade Algebra 1, an essential accelerated gateway to college and career success.
Proficient and Passed Over: Disparities in Eighth Grade Algebra 1 Enrollment
Algebra 1 is a key gateway to college and career success, but many academically prepared students—especially Black, Latinx, Native American, and low-income students—lack equitable access. EdTrust-New York finds persistent gaps in eighth grade Algebra 1 enrollment even among students who are ready.
New Report Finds College in High School Programs Expanding Access and Boosting Graduation Rates Across New York State
A new report released by EdTrust-New York, Pathways to Opportunity: The Growth and Impact of College in High School Programs Across New York State, highlights significant growth in college in high school participation and strong graduation outcomes for students across the state, particularly for students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities.
EdTrust-New York Responds to Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State with Praise and Calls to Strengthen Educational Equity
Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address includes several important proposals aimed at advancing educational equity, with a strong emphasis on supporting New York’s children and their families through universal child care, investments in the Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS), higher education emergency aid, high-impact tutoring in reading and math, and professional learning aligned with the science of reading for in-service teachers.
EdTrust-New York Releases New Statewide Poll Showing Families Deeply Concerned About Math Instruction, Access, and Equity
The findings underscore an urgent need for statewide action to strengthen math teaching and learning, particularly for students of color, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, and English Language Learners/Multilingual Learners (ELLs/MLLs). The state can do this in part by expanding programs like NYC Solves, which provide evidence-based math curriculum and related teacher professional development to ensure that all NYC students learn foundational math skills.
Solving the Equation: What Families Think About Math Instruction, Access, and Opportunity in New York
A new statewide parent poll reveals deep concerns about math instruction, inequitable access to advanced coursework, and gaps in support for students across New York, underscoring the need for stronger, evidence-based math teaching and learning statewide.