Earl J. Edwards

Dr. Earl J. Edwards is an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and Human Development. His research focuses on structural racism’s impact on public institutions, particularly addressing racial inequities in education and housing. He co-authored All Students Must Thrive and directs the Housing and Educational Equity Lab (HEEL). Edwards holds a Ph.D. from UCLA, an M.A. from Teachers College Columbia, and a B.A. from Boston College. His work emphasizes mitigating poverty and homelessness through systemic reforms.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Education, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• M.A. in Public School Leadership, Teachers College, Columbia University
• B.A. in Sociology, Boston College

Research Interests: Structural racism, housing justice, urban education equity, and the intersection of homelessness and educational success. His work centers marginalized youth, particularly Black students, and advocates for community-driven solutions.

Grants & Awards:

• 2022 Los Angeles County Commendation
• UCLA Ed&IS Black Excellence Award (2022)
• Over $100K in grants from Ford Foundation, UCLA, and others

Labs & Initiatives: Directs the Housing and Educational Equity Lab (HEEL) at Boston College, co-hosted the Future of Black Educators Summit, and collaborates with organizations like Schoolhouse Connections and the Black Male Institute.