Akil Bello is an educational-access expert with three decades of experience working with underserved students and the organizations that support them.

Bello has worked in every level of test preparation, from proctor to CEO; he has launched two companies, consulted with universities, developed dozens of test-preparation programs, trained hundreds of instructors, and helped thousands of students. Bello was founding partner and CEO of Bell Curves, a test preparation company focused on improving outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. After selling Bell Curves, Bello worked as the director of equity and access at one of the largest test prep and publishing companies, helping public schools, nonprofits, and community-based organizations understand standardized tests and develop affordable solutions for their students.

Bello’s research on access and policies that act as gatekeepers to educational opportunities has been featured on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, and in the Chronicle of Higher Education and Forbes. Currently, Bello is senior director of advocacy and advancement at FairTest.