Jessica Gunderson

JGunderson
Jessica Gunderson
Co-CEO,
Partnership for Children & Youth

Jessica Gunderson is co-CEO of Partnership for Children & Youth, where she leads efforts to strengthen education and youth-serving systems through policy change and investment. She is an advocacy and policy leader with over 15 years of experience advancing equity and justice. She has led numerous statewide campaigns that have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in increased funding, dozens of improved laws, and more than 20 public reports. She strongly believes that practice and policy must be interconnected and driven by those most impacted for meaningful social change, which is why she has been dedicated to the organization's mission in a range of roles for over a decade. She previously served as policy director for Californians for Safety and Justice and as a senior planner at the Vera Institute of Justice. She began her career as a legislative staffer for former Assemblymember Karen Bass and the Select Committee on Foster Youth. Gunderson earned her MPA in public policy from New York University Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

updated 2025

Publications by Jessica Gunderson
In-Person Learning for the Whole Child
Learning hubs are being implemented in California and across the US to provide in-person education supports to distance learning students. This brief explores a prevalent learning hub model, including considerations for policymakers, schools, and…
A Powerful Strategy for Equity
Achievement gaps in education cannot be solved by looking at the school day alone, as young people also have varied experiences outside of school. Free and affordable learning experiences after school and in the summer are essential strategies for…