UC Berkeley graduate students convene in Sacramento to connect academic learning with policy in action
The inaugural UC Berkeley Early Childhood Policy Summer Institute convened in Sacramento for a full day of immersive, interdisciplinary learning. This year’s cohort includes 11 graduate students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in a range of fields, along with a Certificate in Early Learning Science and Child Policy. Launched in 2023 through a partnership between the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD), the certificate brings together students from diverse disciplines, including education, psychology, public health, public policy, and social welfare.
At the time of the certificate’s launch, GSPP Dean David C. Wilson praised the program, stating, “The graduate students trained by this initiative will use cutting-edge science to inform how we create the most effective policies for our children. This kind of strategic, evidence-based innovation is the heart of what the Goldman School is all about.”
Dr. Emily Ozer, IHD director and professor of Community Health Sciences at the School of Public Health, said, “We have a lot to be proud of at UC Berkeley. This year’s Summer Institute was a powerful example of what happens when we bring together the science of human development, community partnerships, and policymaking in real time. Enabling students to engage directly with state leaders—asking bold questions, making meaningful connections, and reflecting on their roles in systems change—shows how transformative experiential learning can be.”
Dr. Margaret Bridges, IHD developmental psychologist and research scientist, led this year’s Summer Institute alongside Katie Albright, executive director of UC Berkeley Equity and Excellence in Early Childhood (E3C)—a new interdisciplinary initiative to advance equity and excellence in early childhood led in partnership with the Berkeley School of Education, Goldman School of Public Policy, School of Public Health, School of Social Welfare, Department of Psychology, Institute of Human Development, and Center for the Study of Child Care Employment.
GSPP’s Dr. Austin Land (MPP ’16, PhD ’22) and Dr. Dana Miller-Cotto from the Berkeley School of Education (BSE) joined this year’s Summer Institute to encourage students to consider the links between their academic learning and policy in action. “The Summer Institute reflects our deep commitment to preparing scholar-leaders who engage in policy and practice to advance equity in early childhood,” said BSE’s Dean Michelle D. Young. “Berkeley faculty embody the kind of transdisciplinary engagement and public scholarship that defines the mission of the Berkeley School of Education and UC Berkeley as a whole.”
The day began with remarks from First 5’s executive director, Jackie Wong (‘97), and deputy director of external and governmental affairs, Jorge de la Cruz. They outlined California’s early childhood policy landscape and highlighted leadership opportunities in the field. Sharing personal stories about overcoming challenges, both leaders encouraged students to seek mentors, and urged them to pursue their passions with resilience and purpose. “As a proud UC Berkeley alum,” Wong said, “it’s inspiring to see the next generation of leaders preparing to advance early childhood policy in California. You don’t have to know exactly where your path will lead—just stay rooted in purpose and proximity to the communities you serve.”
Students then met with elected officials and staff, including Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson and staff from the offices of Senator Caroline Menjivar, Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks. These visits offered firsthand insight into how research-informed ideas move through the legislative process. Assemblymember Jackson shared his Theory of Thriving, rooted in the social determinants of health, and urged students to center lived experience in policy work.
Students reflected that meeting directly with policymakers had a profound impact. “Attending the Early Childhood Policy Summer Institute was such an enriching and eye-opening experience,” said Berkeley School of Education School Psychology Program doctoral student Ekene Ogonna Azuka (PhD ’28). “It helped me see how my experiences can influence policy as a policymaker, elected official, or advocate.” Andrea Ayala (’24), Senate fellow in the Office of Senator Caroline Menjivar added, “As a Berkeley alumni, I felt energized by the passion of students—and hopeful for the future of early childhood policy in California.”
Over lunch, students participated in a policy dialogue with Stephen Propheter, director of the Early Education Division at the California Department of Education, and Jennifer Troia (JD ’04), director at the California Department of Social Services. The conversation focused on California’s efforts to establish universal preschool and promote family and child well-being, highlighting how the government can effectively work across systems to support communities. Both leaders shared career advice, encouraging students to stay flexible—reminding them that professional paths are rarely linear—and to invest in strong relationships and networks of support. Reflecting on her own path, Troia said, “My time at Berkeley Law deepened my understanding of the critical role that government—and policy change—play in improving the lives of Californians. It provided me with critical knowledge and tools to support a career in public service—where I have the privilege to work every day to serve, protect, and support people experiencing need in ways that empower well-being and disrupt systemic inequities.”
In the afternoon, a panel on advocacy and innovation featured Ted Lempert, president of Children Now; Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge California; and Chris Stoner-Mertz, CEO of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services. The panelists shared strategies for advancing equity through legislation and coalition-building, reflecting: “We chose this work to change the world,” “Children need a voice in the legislative process,” and “Early childhood is the policy issue of our time.” GSPP student Ben Nash (MPP ’26) said, “Hearing from [early childhood] policy leaders helped me ground what we’re learning in the classroom to the work being done on the ground. I was inspired by the advocates and policymakers serving kids in California.”
Students then visited the State Capitol to observe the Senate floor session in action, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement and democratic participation. “We were able to experience a glimpse of what policy and advocacy can look like at the state level,” said Karina Du (PhD ’26), a student in the BSE’s Joint Doctoral Program in Special Education. “I especially enjoyed hearing their stories and insights about entering the policy and advocacy world.”
The penultimate session featured a conversation with Mary Ignatius, executive director of Parent Voices California, and Michael Williams, director of the California Family Resource Center Association. They emphasized the importance of elevating parent, caregiver, and community voices, and of supporting grassroots leadership. Ignatius spoke about ensuring that parents and caregivers are not just storytellers but also changemakers. Williams highlighted the power of aligning one’s passion, skills, livelihood, and social impact—an intersection he described as central to promoting child and family well-being.
The Summer Institute concluded with a legislative landscape briefing by Mareva Brown from the California Senate President Pro Tem’s Office, Erin Gabel from the Assembly Budget Committee, and Ginni Bella Navarre from the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Together, they outlined the legislative budget process, discussed funding for early childhood initiatives, and described the role of research and evaluation in driving systemic reform. Each encouraged students to explore a variety of policy roles, from constituent engagement and public speaking to research and analysis.
The day ended with student reflections and gratitude, marking a meaningful moment in the development of future leaders in early childhood systems. GSPP student Perry Steele Robinson (MPP ’26) said, “It was great to connect with different leaders in the early childhood space and to learn about the experiences and motivations that drive them to work in this area. I walked away from the event with a better sense of what is currently happening—and what’s possible—in early childhood policy.” GSPP student Francisca Braun (MPP ‘25) shared, “I’m grateful to have participated in the Early Childhood Policy Summer Institute, where I gained invaluable insights into the policy-making process from speakers across state government, legislators, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups. This amazing opportunity helped me understand how child policy comes to life, and how we can all play a role in shaping policy for children and families.”
We are grateful for the leadership of Dr. Sharon Lynn Kagan and Dr. Kathy Thornburg and their pioneering work to lead the Early Childhood Policy in Institutions of Higher Education initiative. Special thanks to Luvy Vanegas-Grimaud, IHD’s training and research coordinator, for her invaluable planning leading up to and throughout the day’s sessions, and to the Child Care Resource Center of California and First 5 California for opening their beautiful office and conference room for our sessions.