Our Story
Since our inception, Education Leaders of Color has envisioned a world in which young people of color are thriving. Our work began with education leaders who recognized we needed to go beyond education to achieve our vision. We have expanded our areas of focus because we know the barriers to opportunity are interconnected; we can’t tackle them independently nor can anyone do it alone. Economic advancement for communities of color is about not only education, but also healthcare, immigration, and more, which is why EdLoC pursues a multi-faceted, multi-racial, and multi-sector approach to the systemic change we seek.
Our Vision
A world where young people of color have the support they need to capitalize on opportunities, build generational wealth, and thrive.
Our Mission
To catalyze the academic and economic advancement of young people of color by harnessing the power of our multi-racial, multi-sector, and values-aligned membership network.
Our Values
Creating Schools We Want For All Children:
We must redefine expectations about what good schools are: all children deserve schools where they attain high levels of academic skills AND also receive the broad range of opportunities, activities, and experiences provided to more affluent students.
Advancing Multiple Solutions:
To meet our goals, we must reject one-size-fits-all solutions and the false binaries that persist in the education field. We must recognize the complexity of the challenges facing our children and families and advance multiple strategies and innovations across and within individual communities.
Going Beyond Education:
Rather than just talking about education, we must address and support potential allies fighting for the other resources, supports, and policies low-income and underrepresented children and families also need. At the same time, we reaffirm our belief that improved social conditions should not be a precondition for improving schools.
Ending Generational Poverty:
Our end goal is ending generational poverty by ensuring that low-income and underrepresented children have access to a high-quality education that enables them to become critical thinkers, have choices, capitalize on opportunities, and secure continuing economic advancement.
Creating Sustainable Change:
As members of local, ethnic communities, we value the often overlooked assets in our communities and are committed to building the capacity of local leaders as agents of change. For change to take root and get us to our goal, solutions must be developed with and come from those directly affected.
Our Strategic Priorities
Aligned with our mission and evolution as a growing organization, we focus on the following priorities:
SUSTAIN THE NETWORK
Strengthen the foundation and resilience of our Network infrastructure for sustained growth and impact.
BROADEN AND STRENGTHEN SOLIDARITY
Cultivate a uniquely powerful Network of leaders that catalyzes collaboration and solidarity across race, ethnicity, issue spaces, and industry.
BUILD A COLLECTIVE POWER
Amplify the voices and impact of our Network to influence sustainable and transformative change for our communities.
ADVANCE MEMBER INFLUENCE
Foster innovation and invest in our Network’s leaders by building connections, sharing resources, and funding impactful, innovative solutions.
MOBILIZE ACTION AND ADVOCACY
Mobilize the collective expertise of our members to advance initiatives and policies that ensure families earn more, build wealth, and are cared for.