Research shows that students benefit from being taught by teachers with similar life experiences. In response to challenges related to teacher diversity, representation, and retention in New York City, ExpandED Schools is pursuing a number of strategies to create pathways into the STEM and education workforce and increase equity for underrepresented youth and educators. ExpandED Schools is working towards these goals through 1) ExpandED Pathways, a suite of programs designed to recruit and support educators of color who are looking for pathways into teaching or youth development careers, particularly in STEM; and 2) Design2Learn, an afterschool enrichment program to support community-based educators’ development in STEM instruction and boost underrepresented students’ interest, engagement, and achievement in STEM. This workshop will review our innovative models, our results from the first years of these initiatives, and the potential for building a system to support this work within New York City. Using a panel format, participants will also hear stories and testimonials from an afterschool site director, nonprofit leadership, and a current program participant. These testimonials will focus on how these different programs promote equity, improve program quality, and increase opportunities for school-community partnerships and collaboration. The workshop will also include an opportunity for participants to brainstorm and reflect on how to adopt and adapt practices in their communities, schools, and programs.