Jason Keist

Jason Keist is a Researcher in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on the experiences of Black men aged 25-45 navigating community colleges for career credentials and social mobility. Previously, he worked as a tenure-stream faculty member and adjunct instructor in Sociology and Social Work at Parkland College. His career began in social work, including founding the Indy Media & Arts Lab funded by a Consolidated Social Service Grant.

Education:

• B.A. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
• M.S.W. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Doctoral candidate in Education at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

His research integrates race, age, and gender dynamics impacting adult learners’ pathways through education. Transitioning from the Office of Community College Research and Leadership (OCCRL), his work emphasizes equitable access to higher education and workforce credentials.

Awards:

• Consolidated Social Service Grant (Urbana, Illinois)

Advising/Grants: Played key roles in program development (e.g., Early School Leaver Transition Program) and student advising. His grants and projects focus on marginalized communities’ educational trajectories.

Labs/Initiatives: Formerly affiliated with OCCRL at UIUC; currently contributes to Pitt’s School of Education research on adult and workforce education.