GEORGIA—The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) is thrilled to announce Ashley Young’s promotion to Senior Education Analyst. In her expanded role, Ashley will lead GBPI’s focus on K-12 education while continuing her work on need-based financial aid. Her dedication to equitable financial aid policies is evident in her advocacy efforts with the Georgians for College Affordability coalition, including the successful passage of SB 526 and initiatives to increase access to higher education through college completion grants and in-state tuition for undocumented students.
Before joining GBPI, Ashley was a founding College Counselor at Charles R. Drew Charter School in Atlanta Public Schools from 2016-2022. Her extensive experience in college access includes roles as an Admissions Counselor and TRiO Program Coordinator, where she assisted students, particularly first-generation college students and those historically excluded from building wealth, in navigating the college admissions process.
Ashley is passionate about empowering educators to use their voices beyond the voting booth and building advocacy coalitions to drive change for Georgia’s most marginalized students. She is also pursuing her doctorate in Education Policy Studies at Georgia State University.
GBPI is excited for Ashley to deepen our work in ensuring equitable education by deploying strategic investments for high-quality education, fostering intellectual, technical, and social skills that contribute to the personal and collective flourishing of all Georgians. We remain committed to opposing policies that discriminate against students, especially those in traditionally marginalized communities affected by subtractive bilingualism, as well as racist, classist, and ableist rules and laws.
Ashley has excelled in her current role, and this promotion is a testament to her hard work and expertise. We eagerly anticipate the positive changes she will champion.
For questions about education policy in Georgia or to schedule an interview with Ashley, contact Communications Director Lauren Frazier at lfrazier@gbpi.org.
