Overview
Rachel Antrobus has a rich background bridging K–16 education and workforce development. As an educator, administrator, and leader, she has been instrumental in crafting career-focused pathways that are both equitable and sustainable. Her previous roles have placed her at the forefront of local government initiatives, community college administration, and nonprofit leadership. As the director of intersegmental projects within WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility, Antrobus aids projects related to K–12, higher education, and employment to create meaningful and equitable pathways to guide low-income people into living wage jobs across sectors and industries.
Antrobus’s work has spanned across multiple states and more than 30 workforce regions. Her cutting-edge, data-driven approaches are designed to bolster positive college and career outcomes in ways that center on the experience of learners. She brings a deep commitment to expanding access to living-wage careers across sectors and industries in an effort to increase economic equity.
Prior to her tenure at WestEd, which began in 2019, Antrobus led career technical education and work-based learning projects in community colleges. She also managed statewide partnerships concentrating on K–14 initiatives for a California based nonprofit, developed innovative college programs for out-of-school youth while working for a national organization, and directed a comprehensive citywide campaign in San Francisco to enhance transitional support systems for youth navigating between school and the workforce.
Antrobus earned her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California, focusing her research on equitable approaches to career and college preparation and exposure through experiential learning models. She also holds a master of public administration from California State University, Long Beach. She is a proud alumna and transfer student of the California community college system.
Education
- EdD in educational leadership, University of Southern California
- MPA, California State University, Long Beach
- BA in communication studies, California State University, San Bernardino
Select Publications
Antrobus, R. (2018). Experiential learning curriculum supporting community college guided pathways (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. (2018). Collecting student voices for guided pathways inquiry and design.
Bay Area Workforce Funding Collaborative Evaluation Project. (2017). Laney College’s bridge to biomanufacturing; Cañada College’s bridge to web technology. https://rpgroup.org/All-Projects/ArticleType/ArticleView/ArticleID/117
Antrobus, R. (2015, September). Developing effective post-secondary partnerships [Presentation]. Strengthening Student Success Conference, Oakland, CA, United States.
Scolari, L., & Antrobus, R. (2015). Self-assessment of an effective community college/K12 partnership. In A. Venezia & C. McGaughy (Eds.), Supporting the dream: How high schools and colleges can partner to improve college and career readiness. Corwin Press.
Transitional Age Youth San Francisco. (2011). Citywide report card: A call to action for San Francisco policymakers and community to re-engage youth & young adults.
Transitional Age Youth San Francisco. (2008). Disconnected youth in San Francisco: A roadmap to improving the life chances of San Francisco’s most vulnerable young adults.
Antrobus, R., & Pang, D. (2007). From root to fruit: Unearthing the power of youth engagement in local policymaking & advocacy. Impact: A Multidisciplinary Journal Addressing the Issues of Urban Youth.
Antrobus, R. (2005). How to empower your youth program–a practical guide for workforce development programs. California State University, Long Beach.
Honors, Awards, and Affiliations
Board member, California Dual Enrollment Partnership (2023–Present)
Board member, Green Branch Social Justice Library (2013–2015)
Member, National Youth Employment Coalition (2009–2013)
Member, National League of Cities, Disconnected Youth Steering Committee (2008–2012)
Member, Workforce Investment of San Francisco Youth Council (2008–2012)
Board member, Honoring Emancipated Youth (hosted by the United Way of the Bay Area; 2005–2010)
Board member, Orange County Conservation Corps (2004–2005)
Board member, California Coalitions for Youth (2002–2012)
