Native American TK Research Fellow

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY 

EdTrust-West seeks a Native American TK Research Fellow as part of its 8th cohort of Russlynn Ali Summer Fellows. The Russlynn Ali Fellowship, named in honor of the founding executive director of EdTrust-West, is a career development opportunity for college students and recent graduates. It sets the foundation for current and future educators, policymakers, researchers, and advocates to be lifelong leaders within California’s education ecosystem.  

As a free early learning and care option for 4-year-olds, Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) can be a considerable step toward leveling the playing field for all young children in education. However, universal does not guarantee equitable access to free high-quality programs. The TK-12 Policy team is currently developing a landscape scan that aims to examine Native American families’ experiences with California’s early childhood education system and their needs, with a specific focus on TK, to inform EdTrust-West's future research and policy advocacy decisions. The Fellow will conduct a comprehensive literature review on the needs of Native American students and families in early childhood education and synthesize existing research, identify gaps, and provide actionable insights to inform policy and practice. 

 
EdTrust-West, the California-based office of EdTrust which is headquartered in Washington, DC, is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive.     

This role is based remotely and full-time (37.5 hours/week) from June 16th through August 22nd, 2025. Earlier start/end dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis to be determined by students' and academic faculty’s school schedules. Fellows must reside in CA and report to EdTrust-West's Oakland, CA office on June 17th for mandatory in-person welcome programming and employment verification and August 19th for mandatory end-of-term programming. The Fellow reports to the TK-12 Policy Analyst and will serve as a member of the TK-12 Policy team.   

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The responsibilities and objectives for this role include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Project Management: Establish a timeline for completing the literature review. Track progress and ensure timely delivery of key deliverables.  
• Research and Information Gathering: Identify and collect academic, governmental, and community-based sources relevant to Native American students and families in early childhood education. Use databases, journals, reports, and other credible resources to compile relevant literature. 
• Analysis and Synthesis: Evaluate the quality, relevance, and credibility of the sources. Summarize key findings, themes, and trends from the literature. Identify gaps in the existing research to highlight areas for further study. 
• Documentation and Reporting: Develop a structured and well-organized literature review document. Create an annotated bibliography to accompany the review. Present findings clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. 
    

 IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS  

• Shared belief in EdTrust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity 
• Knowledge and familiarity with Native American communities  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders 
• Critical thinking and problem-solving ability 
• Teamwork skills and an eagerness for collaboration 
• Willingness to receive and act upon, as well as provide, constructive feedback 
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality work under minimal supervision 
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE  

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:  

• Enrolled in a higher education degree program; or is a recent graduate within one year of graduation  
• General knowledge of education, education policy, or related field  
• Experience engaging in research and conducting literature reviews 

COMPENSATION  

The pay for this position is $26 per hour for 37.5 hours/week. Sick leave is accrued in this role. 

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19  

At EdTrust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all EdTrust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources.   

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

Please provide a cover letter and resume, combined into one document. In the file name, please write the name of the position you are applying for and your last name: e.g., “Native American TK Research Fellow_Robinson.” 
 

We invite you to consider your cover letter as an opportunity to: 

• Tell us why you want to partner with EdTrust-West this summer 
• Share how your background and experience make you the right fit for this position 
   

Please submit your application materials at Recruitment (adp.com) by the deadline of March 16, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 

EdTrust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.