Jay Calcagno is the Policy Associate for the Alliance, joining in January 2022. He is the primary support for the Policy Team, handling complex policy research, engagement with key stakeholders, legislative tracking, and coordinating special projects on a diverse range of issues. He joins the Alliance with an extensive background in advocacy, education, and policy work.

Jay comes to the Alliance directly from the classroom, where he was an Education Specialist in elementary schools in the Bay Area. A Teach for America alum, he taught in underserved schools and fought to ensure his students had the resources needed to thrive. Prior to becoming a teacher, Jay was the Policy Coordinator at the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies. In this role, he supported the organization in its advocacy efforts centered on behavioral health. He has also completed internships with the State Assembly and advocacy organizations. Jay is passionate about education, health, and LGBTQ+ equity in his policy work.

Jay is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley with a bachelor’s in Political Science. He also holds a master’s degree in Education Policy and Administration from Loyola Marymount University. Jay is a member of the Capitol LGBTQ Association and a current Rising Leaders Fellow with Teach for America.

Click here to email Jay.