Education Programs Consultant, Expanded Learning Division
California Department of Education

U.S: California Hub | NORTH AMERICA

Sterling E. Williams is an Education Programs Consultant in the Expanded Learning Division for the California Department of Education (CDE) in Sacramento, California. In this role, Sterling acts as the Contract Monitor for the Division as well as the lead for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program  (ELO-P).

Before joining the CDE team, Sterling worked as a Program Specialist for the Los Angeles County Office of Education, where he provided Technical Assistance to Expanded Learning partners throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area.  This included 180+ grantees, close to 1400 program sites and over 200,000 students.  In addition, Sterling spearheaded the Older Youth Community of Practice in Region 11, with 134 program sites, representing close to half of the 21st Century High School After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) funded programs in the state of California.

Prior to representing Los Angeles County in Expanded Learning, Sterling worked as an Assistant Director for a Community Based Organization called arc.  During this time, Sterling partnered with the Los Angeles Unified School District-Beyond the Bell, to support At-Risk [At-Promise] Youth, English Language Learners and youth managing substance abuse.

Sterling is originally from the Westside of Chicago (Maywood) and comes from humble beginnings.  His professional mission is to collaborate with those in power, to create systemic and sustainable change, in order to better serve our youth.

Sterling graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, with a double major in Philosophy and History. He also holds a Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law.  Through the California School-Age Consortium (CalSAC), Sterling is a Leadership Development Institute Alum, an Advocacy Ambassador, and a Senior Certified Trainer.

Sterling has been recognized for his public service as a Volunteer Coordinator by Father Joe’s Villages, serving the homeless [houseless] community in San Diego.  Today, Sterling is a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ Community and a member of the Board of Directors for an organization called GayForGood.

When Sterling is not focused on the work, he enjoys sports, obstacle courses, traveling, food, and laughter.

Top 5 Strengths: Relator – Competition – Analytical – Command – Achiever