2026 Summer Scholars

We’re excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 Wheelhouse Summer Scholars fellowship. This award and mentorship opportunity is for PhD and EdD students whose equity-focused research centers on the California Community Colleges. Please join us in congratulating:

Jose Aguilar- University of California, Berkeley, Policy, Politics, and Leadership (School of Education)
Project: Mapping Opportunity: Understanding Transfer Networks Across CCCs and CSUs

Daniela Amaya - University of California, Los Angeles, School of Education & Information Studies, Higher Education & Organizational Change
Project: From Policy to Practice: Examining the Role of Instructors in Equitable Community College Transfer-level Math Outcomes

Evan Bennett - University of Pennsylvania, Education Policy 
Project: Reducing Non-Tuition Barriers to Workforce Credentials: Evidence from Virginia’s Supplemental Grant Aid Program

Thomas Bui- University of California, Los Angeles
Project: Policy to Practice: How California Community Colleges Operationalize the AANHPI Student Achievement Program

Melissa Herman- Teachers College, Columbia University, Education Policy
Project: Navigating Dual Admissions: A Mixed-Methods Study of Student Experiences and Academic Success in California

 Kasandra Hernandez- University of California, Berkeley, Economics
Project: CADAA Estudiante Cuenta: The Effects of the California DREAM Act Application on Undocumented Student Success