About Us
Success for every learner is WestEd’s main goal
WestEd is committed to the belief that all students should succeed in our schools and that all individuals – from infants to adults – should thrive in our communities.
Glen Harvey, WestEd Chief Executive Officer
As a national leader in research, development, and service, WestEd is reimagining solutions to a more equitable society by taking on the most demanding and enduring challenges in education and human development.
Our staff work collaboratively systemwide to provide a broad range of services — research and evaluation, professional learning, technical assistance, and policy guidance — that are tailored to the needs of our clients. A nonpartisan partner, we generate knowledge and apply evidence and expertise to improve policies, systems, and practices.
A steadfast commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is central to our work to advance equitable opportunities, increase well-being, and promote positive outcomes for all children, youth, and adults.
Our Mission
WestEd, a nonpartisan research, development, and service agency, works with education and other communities to promote excellence, achieve equity, and improve learning for children, youth, and adults.
Our Values
Value Research
We draw from and add to the research base in our core areas of work and identify the best available evidence to guide decision-making. We share our findings in ways that are useful and accessible to the field, to inform improvements in policy and practice.
Ensure Excellence and Integrity
We strive to conduct only the highest-quality work and to be impartial, fair, and ethical in carrying out our work.
Focus on Equity
We operate with a particular commitment to populations that traditionally have been inadequately served or unfairly treated, aiming to eliminate opportunity gaps and foster equitable opportunities and outcomes through all we do.
Strive for Impact
We seek work that is meaningful and useful, and that leads to positive outcomes and sustainable improvements in education, development, and related fields.
Agency at a Glance
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Headquarters
San Francisco, CA
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Offices
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Board of Directors
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CEO
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Staff
More than 900
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Annual Revenue
Approximately $174 million
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Clients & Funders
644
Resource Spotlight

Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Kindergarten: Observation Guide

From Alignment to Action: Nevada’s Work to Expand Developmentally Appropriate Kindergarten Practices

Achieving a Shared Statewide Vision for Kindergarten in Hawai‘i

Community-Based Authorizing: Current and Evolving Strategies

Joyful Literacy in the Early Grades
History and Business Status
WestEd has worked for more than 50 years to improve learning and healthy development at all stages of life. Our work commenced in 1966 when Congress funded regional educational laboratories (RELs) across the country to find practical ways to improve the education of our nation’s children. Forming to “bridge the gap between research and practice.” Visit a timeline of WestEd’s history to see a small sampling of our agency’s accomplishments over the decades and view our WestEd at 50 video.
WestEd is a Joint Powers Agency, authorized by a California Joint Powers Agreement and governed by public entities in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah, with Board members representing agencies from these states and nationally.
A nonpartisan, nonprofit research, development, and service agency, WestEd is tax exempt under Section 115(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Because of this status, our work meets the giving guidelines of philanthropic organizations.