01 Jul Rooted in Education: Jennifer Tran and the Future of Urban Learning
- Jennifer Tran, the first Urban Learning major on the ASI Board of Directors, advocates for accessibility, representation and student success.
- Through CSUF’s Urban Learning program, Tran is building the skills to create inclusive classrooms and support diverse communities.
- From expanding career readiness opportunities to promoting student wellness, Tran is helping shape a stronger future for College of Education students.
At Associated Students Inc., students have the opportunity to become campus leaders by launching initiatives and representing the voices of more than 45,000 Titans. Through ASI’s Student Government Board of Directors, leaders can drive change while building a united Titan campus community.
One student leader is Jennifer Tran, the first-ever Urban Learning major to serve on the board, representing the College of Education. Installed onto the board in October 2025, Tran represents more than 3,000 students within the college, which is nationally recognized as No. 4 in the nation for Best Online Graduate Education Programs.
Guided by a commitment to student success, Tran advocates for future educators at Cal State Fullerton by promoting accessibility, representation and inclusive learning opportunities.
Building a Passion for Education
Tran’s passion for helping students began long before college. She spent years tutoring younger students at Kumon and teaching Vietnamese lessons at her local temple, where she first discovered the impact mentorship can have on a student’s growth.
Outside of CSUF, Tran serves part-time as an academic mentor for Garden Grove Unified School District, supporting middle school students as they prepare for their futures.
“I help at-risk sixth grade students learn about college readiness, motivation and self-efficacy,” said Tran. “Many students don’t realize how early they can begin preparing for college, so we try to show them that even small steps, like joining extracurricular activities or learning about financial aid, it can make a difference in their future.”
As a first-generation college student, Tran has transformed her passion into leadership and advocacy. Alongside her role in ASI, she serves as vice president of Student California Teachers Association (SCTA) and is an active member of Titan Future Teachers, organizations committed to empowering the next generation of educators on campus. Tran’s leadership journey extends far beyond ASI, creating meaningful opportunities for students pursuing careers in education.
“Policy and advocacy have a direct impact on students’ experiences, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Tran. “Through my studies and leadership experiences, I’ve learned how important it is to understand student needs and advocate for changes that improve their learning environments and well-being.”
For Tran, education represents far more than her career; it is a way to create opportunities, strengthen communities and inspire students to make a difference.
“What drew me to education was my love for learning. At first, I struggled to decide on a concentration because there were so many different paths I was interested in,” said Tran. “Then I realized education would allow me to explore a little bit of everything while still making an impact.”
The Rise of Urban Learning
Urban Learning is a concentration in education designed to prepare future educators to support students across diverse communities and metropolitan school environments. Established at CSUF in 2023, the program emphasizes equity, inclusion and culturally responsive teaching practices while equipping students with foundational classroom and leadership skills.
“The program was created as a new undergraduate pathway to prepare future educators committed to just, equitable, and inclusive education in diverse communities. It is the first undergraduate major for the College of Education,” said Lisa Kirtman, the college’s dean.
Urban Learning encourages students to engage in diverse pedagogy, an approach to teaching that values students’ cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. For students looking to make a lasting impact, the program offers a pathway into special education while helping address educational disparities.
“What makes Urban Learning unique is its emphasis on social justice,” Tran said. “The program prioritizes diversity, inclusivity and equity while still giving future educators the foundational skills they need for the classroom. It challenges us to think about how we can create learning spaces where every student feels represented and supported.”
Through both her studies and leadership roles, Tran has embraced the program’s mission of building equitable educational spaces for every Titan.
Advocacy Through Student Leadership
In her student government work, Tran is focused on creating opportunities that help students feel represented throughout their college experience.
“As a director, I’ve seen how policies and advocacy directly affect student wellness and the way students experience campus life,” said Tran. “I wanted to be part of conversations that could create meaningful and lasting change for current and future Titans.”
As one of 16 members of the ASI Board of Directors who represent the colleges, Tran spends her term passing resolutions, leading initiatives and representing student voices across campus.
“I pursued a position on the ASI Board of Directors because I wanted undergraduate voices within the College of Education to feel represented,” said Tran. “Since Urban Learning is the college’s first undergraduate program, I felt there was an opportunity to advocate for students whose experiences and needs had not always been centered in those spaces before.”
Since her installation, Tran has played a key role in the 2026 ASI Career Week: Pathways to Professions, specifically contributing to the “Careers in Education Opportunity Showcase.” She helped shape workshops that highlight diverse career pathways within education, emphasizing the importance of networking and career readiness.
“One project I’m especially proud of was advocating for Smart Access implementation within the College of Education,” shared Tran. “I recognized that many of our courses rely heavily on hands-on learning and free educational resources, and I wanted to ensure students’ financial concerns and academic needs were being fully considered.”
A Future for Titan Education
Tran was recently re-elected during ASI’s Spring 2026 elections to continue representing the College of Education for the 2026-27 academic year.
Looking ahead, Tran is focused on advancing initiatives that strengthen student support and increase access to wellness resources.
“One of my biggest goals moving forward is continuing to advocate for student wellness and strengthening the identity of the College of Education. I want students to feel connected to the college and proud of being part of a community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and support.”