SAN FRANCISCO / PRNewswire-USNewswire / — College Futures Foundation announced the appointment of Orville Jackson as Senior Policy & Research Officer. An education researcher with more than 10 years of experience using research, data, and analytical tools to drive positive changes for students, Jackson joined the staff in April. He will play a lead role in improving data access, understanding, and application by target audiences working in the field of college access and success.

“Orville Jackson has a sharp mind, a passion for educational equality, and deep experience with leveraging research and data analysis in support of better student outcomes,” said Julia Lopez, president and CEO of College Futures Foundation. “We are so glad that he has joined our team.”

“As a native Californian and a product of our public K-12 and higher education pipeline, I’m excited to join College Futures in helping to boost educational achievement and close opportunity gaps for students,” said Jackson. “I look forward to working with organizations across the state who are supporting our low-income students in achieving their dream of a college degree.”

Prior to joining the foundation, Jackson was a senior research analyst at the Education Trust-West where he conducted research and advocated for policies to increase student success and address issues impacting low-income students of color in California.

In previous roles he has consulted on strategic planning and analytics projects for global foundations and nonprofit organizations, conducted research on nonprofit measurement and evaluation, and developed systems to support data-driven instruction in K-12 schools.

Orville is a first-generation college graduate and earned his A.A. from Cypress College, a B.A. from UC Berkeley, and his Ph.D. from Harvard University.

About College Futures Foundation

College Futures Foundation operates on the beliefs that a vibrant future for California’s economy and communities requires more bachelor’s degrees, and that every student in California should have the chance to succeed in college. College Futures works to increase opportunities for low-income and underrepresented students by removing barriers to college degrees. Established in 2005, the foundation awards nearly $20 million in grants annually. Together with its grantees and partners, College Futures works towards more graduates for a thriving California. Visit www.collegefutures.org.