Hello! I’m Christina and I’m excited to be joining the state policy team at Advance CTE where I will be supporting the New Skills ready network project and collaborating on a new shared vision for Career Technical Education (CTE) and Advance CTE’s equity initiatives. I’m excited to work towards dismantling historical barriers to CTE and expanding high-quality opportunities for learners. 
I recently graduated with a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore with a macro (social policy) concentration. Here, I spent one year providing direct social services to students and their families in a Title I school and one year as a Policy Fellow for an organization that provides restorative practices and racial equity trainings to schools and districts. I was also very honored to receive the Julee Cryder-Coe Award for Advocacy and Social Action presented by faculty at graduation. 
Before receiving my Master of Social Work, I was the Professional Relations Manager for the National Association of School Psychologists for about four years, supporting their public policy agenda. Here is where I first became interested in societal and community factors that affect student mental health and inhibit their ability to learn, such as access to housing, jobs and health care. 
I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Public Communication from American University, where I interned for several education-focused organizations, including the U.S. Department of Education, The National Geographic Channel, Capital Partners for Education, and completed a year of classroom service with AmeriCorps.
I’m passionate about community-led solutions to reduce barriers to educational opportunities, investing in historically-disinvested neighborhoods and engaging those directly affected by social problems in the legislative process.
Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, I also enjoy going to the beach, drawing and my dog, Carlos.
Christina Koch, Policy Associate