Ashton Yurk

As an Associate on the Data and Policy team, Ashton is responsible for program and partnership data as well as a variety of projects meant to support The Fund’s mission — to improve Chicago’s public schools by investing in the talented leaders who run them.

Before The Fund, Ashton completed two years of AmeriCorps service with City Year Chicago, working at schools in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. He worked in a fourth grade classroom as a mentor, tutor, and social and emotional near-peer while conducting ELA and math instruction. Following his first year, Ashton served as a Team Leader, leading a team of new AmeriCorps members in their first year of service.

Ashton is a graduate of Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in Italian language. He also has a Master of Education in education policy from American University, where he researched the fundamental limitations education has experienced in national and local policy.

During his free time, Ashton enjoys trying the new restaurants Chicago has to offer, reading a good book, and going to the movie theater at least once a week!