Posted on February 16, 2026 by Katelyn Juarez
Claudia García-Louis, PhD, was selected for the prestigious 2026 Education Scholars Training Program, joining a national cohort committed to reshaping education policy through research and public engagement.
2026 Education Scholars Training Program cohort
Claudia García-Louis, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, focuses her interdisciplinary research on Latinidad, culture, race, and ethnicity, was selected for the 2026 cohort of the Education Scholars Training Program (ESTP), a national initiative designed to strengthen the policy engagement and academic networks of emerging education scholars.
“I’m honored that my research has been recognized as important in contributing to policy development,” said García-Louis. “Because the fellowship is nomination based rather than application based, it affirms that my work is reaching broader audiences and making a meaningful impact.”
Launched in 2024, the ESTP supports scholars who identify as members of one or more minoritized groups in the academy. Cohort members are nominated for their academic excellence and the potential societal impact of their research. The year‑long program blends in‑person and virtual learning experiences, including policy and media engagement trainings, community‑building events, and a culminating in‑person graduation ceremony.
The program begins with the Education Research Accelerator, a two‑day convening that will bring together the 2025 and 2026 cohorts for intensive learning and collaboration. Throughout the year, scholars receive structured opportunities to deepen their policy engagement skills and expand their professional networks.
García-Louis’ interdisciplinary research examines how Latinx students are often portrayed in education. She studies the ways LatinX students are grouped together in ways that overlook important cultural and linguistic differences. Through her methodological approach, she works to provide a more accurate and detailed understanding of the varied experiences within Latinx communities.
The Scholars Strategy Network, which leads the ESTP, aims to strengthen democracy by connecting scholars and their research with policymakers, civic intermediaries, and the media. ESTP participants regularly contribute to public conversations, consult with policymakers, and collaborate with advocates to address pressing local, state, and national challenges.
— Katelyn Juarez
