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Below, you will find the history of the Gevirtz Research Center from 1996 to 2009.

Mission of the Gevirtz Research Center

The Gevirtz Research Center (GRC) was a collaborative partnership between the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, public school districts, the local community, and the private sector.  The GRC worked with its partners to develop, implement, and research innovative educational programs that informed educational practice and led to increased academic achievement for all students.

History of the Gevirtz Research Center

The Gevirtz Research Center was established in 1996 with a gift from the late Ambassador Don Gevirtz and Marilyn Gevirtz. The founding of the GRC was the fulfillment of their desire to improve public education for all students through research strengthened by partnerships with schools and the community. The Center’s original partners, the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education and the Santa Barbara School Districts, are still an integral part of the partnership. The private sector and many other birth-to-grade 12 partners have collaborated with the GRC over time to design, implement, research, and disseminate educational programs to enhance the performance of students – with emphasis on underserved students. Since 1996, the GRC has served more than 12,000 children, 1,850 parents and 350 teachers and administrators. At least 98% of participants in the GRC’s programs are English Language Learners and other underserved groups. Through the effectiveness of its after-school, summer, and community-based programs, the Gevirtz Research Center has also developed an emphasis on supplemental support services for children and families and informal education. Dr. Vishna Herrity has served as Executive Director of the Gevirtz Research Center since its inception.

Goals of the Gevirtz Research Center

The Gevirtz Research Center:

• Served as a premier model for public education partnerships and University collaboration;
• Developed and implemented educational programs and practices that will provide a quality education for all children;
• Produced high-quality research on birth-to-grade 12 teaching and learning, student and family support services, supplementary and informal education, and systemic reform;
• Disseminated research findings to school districts, policy makers, and education professionals;
• Expanded the development of school-based partnerships to promote increased academic outreach;
• Impacted educational policy on a local, state, and national level;
• Utilized a diverse funding base that includes public and private sources of support for research and partnerships.