About Us
Success for every learner is WestEd’s main goal
The true power of WestEd lies in our shared purpose. As we collaborate and innovate, we are shaping the futures of children, adults, and communities by addressing the complex challenges facing education today.
Jannelle Kubinec, 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 1300
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2022 Annual Revenue
Approximately $211.7 million
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2022 Clients & Funders
644
Webinar Spotlight
From Early Empathy to Acts of Kindness
Resisting the Margins: Advancing an Imperative to Attend to Race and Culture and the Social-Emotional Growth and Learning of Infants and Toddlers
From Vision to Action: Transforming Kindergarten into a Sturdy Bridge from Early Learning to K–12 Education
Moving Behavioral Threat Assessment Forward: Implementing Best Practices and Overcoming Barriers
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.