2026 ACE Learning Initiative: Adrian H. Huerta

Adrian H. Huerta is an Associate Professor in the Pullias Center for Higher Education at the Rossier School of Education and the Department of Population & Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine, both at the University of Southern California. Huerta is a leading expert on the social and academic experiences of active and former/inactive gang-involved people across the educational pipeline. Through sociocultural perspectives and qualitative methods, he examines individual and structural factors that impact college access and success, boys and men of color, student parents, and gang-involved populations.

About the Learning Initiative -

The Learning Initiative is a year-long initiative that explores a single, timely theme through the lenses of education and kinesiology hosted by the Office of Access and Community Engagement in the College of Education. Each year, experts are invited to share insights, research and practical applications related to the selected topic. While the theme evolves annually, the series remains grounded in advancing understanding and practice across both fields through interdisciplinary dialogue and professional learning. The series is open to anyone.