Edwin Achola

Edwin Achola is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Advanced Studies in Education and Counseling at California State University, Long Beach, within the College of Education. He is actively engaged in research, teaching, and grant leadership, focusing on equity and inclusion in special education.

• Ph.D., Special Education & Disability Policy – Virginia Commonwealth University
• M.Ed., Education of Exceptional Persons – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• B.Ed., Secondary Education (English) – Maseno University

Dr. Achola's research centers on culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy, multicultural transition planning, and post-secondary education access for students with disabilities. His work emphasizes equity, family engagement, and systemic reform in educational practices for marginalized populations. He advocates for person-family-centered planning and the integration of cultural wealth in transition services.

His recent publications and grants reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between special education and school counseling. The research consistently addresses cultural responsiveness, transition equity, and policy-practice alignment, with a focus on improving outcomes for Black and culturally diverse youth with disabilities. His work bridges theory, policy, and practical implementation in educational settings.

Dr. Achola has secured substantial external funding from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), serving as Principal Investigator or Co-PI on multiple high-impact grants totaling over $5 million. These include projects such as FACTSS, CREST, and multicultural transition initiatives, which support research, training, and systemic change. He has also contributed to major grant proposals, including a $2.5 million Department of Education HSI grant and a $20 million W.K. Kellogg Foundation application.

• Facilitating Culturally Responsive Transition Services & Supports (FACTSS) – PI, $1.25M, 2021–2026
• Culturally Responsive Transition Support in School Counseling and Special Education (CREST) – PI, $1.25M, 2019–2024
• Multicultural Secondary Transition Services – Co-PI, $1.25M, 2019–2024
• Culturally Responsive Transition Policies, Planning and Practices – Co-PI, $1.25M, 2015–2020
• Curriculum Innovation for Special Education – PI, $3,500
• Culturally Responsive MTSS – Co-PI, $14,450
• Project HOGAR Mentoring Grants – PI, $9,000

He has also contributed significantly to the Caminos HSI Teacher Preparation Grant and the W.K. Kellogg Racial Equity 2030 initiative. Dr. Achola mentors future educators and leads faculty development in culturally responsive pedagogies, supporting underrepresented teacher candidates through collaborative pipeline programs.