Amanda J.
Wahlstedt
Exploring the pathways
to postsecondary opportunity.
Economics and Education M.A. candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Research Assistant at the Community College Research Center.
ABOUT
PostsecondaryAccess
Amanda Wahlstedt is an Economics and Education M.A. candidate at Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Research Assistant at the Community College Research Center (CCRC). Her passions are supporting meaningful student voice, postsecondary access, and exploring the institutional barriers that shape students’ educational experiences.
A founding member of and current Senior Advisor to the Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT), Amanda supports education policy efforts and provides college counseling to rising seniors. Her involvement in student voice began her sophomore year at Knox Central High School, where she researched postsecondary transitions, contributed to published reports and opinion pieces, and presented findings to educators and policymakers.
EducationalOpportunity
Amanda graduated from Wellesley College in 2020 as part of its inaugural class of Education Studies majors. Her undergraduate research examined makerspace documentation and evaluation in Kentucky schools, technology for community-based problem solving, practical skills for student self-determination, and systemic barriers facing first-generation, low-income students at elite colleges. Her makerspace research was awarded a Pamela Daniels Fellowship.
Guides
Across education, research, and marketing, Amanda brings ten years of experience developing strategic content, designing interactive presentations, and creating accessible guides for diverse audiences. Her work is grounded in mentorship and a commitment to helping students meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Originally from southeastern Kentucky, Amanda is a first-generation college graduate who aspires to pursue a Ph.D. When she’s not reading or writing, she can often be found curled up with her cat, Splotches.
