Alexandra (Ali) Simon is a senior policy analyst with the Center on Education and Labor at New America, where she supports youth transitions from high school to postsecondary opportunities and careers. She plays a key role in the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA), contributing to technical assistance, research, and strategic communications.
Before joining New America, Simon led technical assistance efforts for the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor through roles at Manhattan Strategy Group and High Impact Partners. For the Department of Labor’s Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grants (YARG), she managed individualized support for grantees, facilitated cross-program collaboration, and developed events and resources to strengthen youth apprenticeship programs. Her portfolio also included work on dual enrollment, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning, and career pathways.
Simon began her career as a high school Spanish teacher and speech and debate coach, with classroom experience and certification in four states and with the Department of Defense Education Activity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in sociology from Florida State University and completed additional graduate studies at San Diego State University.