Growing Inland Achievement

Author: Growing Inland Achievement

  • Education Insight: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: The Role of Apprenticeships

    Education Insight: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: The Role of Apprenticeships

    About This Episode

    Season 3. Episode 7.

    The landscape of education and workforce training is rapidly evolving, with community colleges and universities collaborating to create effective training programs that cater to the needs of businesses and recent graduates. Through these partnerships, specially trained apprentices are being placed in jobs that align with their aspirations and career goals.

    Moreover, college graduates and community workforce programs are instrumental in driving the growth of apprenticeships, seeking meaningful career inlets and opportunities that align with their expertise and passions.

    Through firsthand accounts and interviews with business owners, we’ll uncover how these programs are providing a smoother path to employment for skilled apprentices, empowering them to enhance their skill sets and flourish in their chosen fields even after college.

    If you’re curious about the dynamic world of apprenticeships and their positive influence on workforce development, join us for an insightful discussion that highlights the transformative power of specialized training programs in shaping the future of our workforce.

    Featured Guests

    Charles Henkels

    Executive Director, LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network.

    Charles has over 20 years of experience in the field of education and workforce development and has spent his career focused on developing and expanding access to registered apprenticeship opportunities for students, workers, and job seekers.  After observing how individuals could learn more efficiently when combining their education with meaningful work experience, and witnessing the national student debt approach $1.5 trillion, in 2016, Charles began working on new partnerships models within the education system to support the expansion of “earn-and-learn” programs that keep students out of debt while developing the highest valued skills needed in our changing economy.  In 2018, he began leading the LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network, which focuses on integrating apprenticeship pathways into the K-12, community college, and university system.  Since its creation, LAUNCH has sponsored apprenticeship programs in healthcare, IT, industrial technologies, education, automotive technology, and social services.  This approach to education programming had provided new opportunities for businesses to collaborate dynamically with their colleges and high schools using the apprenticeship model.  Charles supports the California Apprenticeship Initiative broadly through statewide work, as well, and he was appointed by the California Secretary of Labor to serve as a public commissioner on California’s interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship.

    David Butler

    Service Director at Walter’s Automotive Group.

    I’m David Butler, Service Director for Walters Automotive Group. My 30 years of experience started as an automotive technician with brands including Audi and Mercedes Benz where I was able to achieve a Master Technician award. After retiring my tools, I became well-versed in dealership operations holding positions such as warranty administrator, service advisor, and service manager. Now at the height of my career with Walters automotive group, I am able to represent an amazing team and prestigious brands such as Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes Benz.

    Interview Highlights

    3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

    7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

    8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

    9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

    13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

    20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

    21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

    23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

    25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

    32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

    36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.

  • Education Insight: From High School to College: Inside the Dual Enrollment Movement

    Education Insight: From High School to College: Inside the Dual Enrollment Movement

    About This Episode

    Season 3. Episode 6.

    In this enlightening episode, we delve into the world of Dual Enrollment, an educational pathway that opens doors to remarkable opportunities for high school students. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of this program, shedding light on its significance, benefits, local initiatives, and future prospects.

    Our esteemed guests, Adrienne Pacheco, and Jorge Perez,  bring their extensive expertise and insights to the table. Together, we embark on a journey to understand the multifaceted aspects of Dual Enrollment.

    Listeners will gain valuable insights into local and state Dual Enrollment initiatives and mandates. Our guests shed light on the policies and partnerships that have paved the way for the successful implementation of Dual Enrollment programs in our region. We delve into collaborative efforts between high schools and colleges, sharing examples of innovative practices that ensure seamless transitions and maximize student outcomes.

    Tune in to this captivating episode as we unravel the transformative power of Dual Enrollment. Whether you are a student, parent, educator, or community member, this episode will empower you with the information and inspiration needed to navigate the world of Dual Enrollment and unlock a brighter future.

    Featured Guests

    Jorge Perez

    Instructional Services Specialist, College and Career Readiness, Riverside Unified School District.

    Jorge Perez is an Instructional Services Specialist of College and Career Readiness in the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD). A product of RUSD, where he attended elementary, middle and high school, Jorge now works to improve the district’s programs and services to provide all students the opportunity of graduating college and career ready.

    During his 23 years in public education, Jorge served as a Student Affairs Officer with the Office of Admissions at UC Riverside for seven years, High School Counselor for five years at Ramona High School, and an Instructional Services Specialist for eleven years in the Instructional Support Division. He has established strong relationships with Institutes of Higher Education to provide resources to RUSD families and agreements with local private universities to establish guaranteed admission and scholarships.

    Jorge led in establishing and implementing the College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) dual enrollment program in partnership with Riverside City College that has resulted in expanded partnerships to offer an accelerated nursing pathway to students in the district.

    Jorge graduated from the University of California, Riverside with Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Chicano Studies and earned his Master’s of Education from the University of Redlands

    Adrienne Pacheco

    Guidance Counselor at Chaffey Joint Union High School District.

    Adrienne has worked at the high school level for 25 years. Leaving the classroom after 6 years she became a school counselor and has worked in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District for the last 19 years. She currently works in the Alternative Education Center where she began introducing dual enrollment courses to students for remediation purposes at the Chaffey District Online High School. Pre-pandemic it was becoming common that students would take dual enrollment courses to complete high school graduation requirements and to explore career pathways but the registration and orientation were in person as well as the courses which created barriers for students to attend. During the pandemic, Chaffey College courses went online and the high school partnership expanded, at that time she became the dual enrollment liaison and began working closely with Chaffey College and non-profit organizations increasing access and equity for students.

    Avijeet (Avi) Randhawa

    45th Riverside County Spelling Bee Winner.

    Attends Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.
    Completed 7th grade.
    Plays drums in the jazz band, guitar.
    Fluent in Spanish speaking and writing – has been in the Dual Language Immersion Spanish program since Kindergarten.
    Enjoys his Pathway Lead The Way class in Design and Modeling where he has designed and 3D printed models like puzzle cubes and built-coded a basic robot.
    Enjoys Medical Life Science and the HOSA class for future health professionals where the body systems have piqued my interest.
    Is in advanced Math – Integrated Math 1
    Likes to play outside: basketball, golf or reading STEM magazines and books of varying genres.
    Recently read As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds.

    Interview Highlights

    3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

    7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

    8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

    9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

    13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

    20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

    21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

    23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

    25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

    32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

    36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.

  • GIA Statement on Supreme Court Rulings in Affirmative Action Cases

    GIA Statement on Supreme Court Rulings in Affirmative Action Cases

    Today we express deep concerns over the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. Harvard and the University of North Carolina, which effectively prohibits hundreds of public and private postsecondary institutions from considering a student’s race as one factor in the admissions process. We stand firmly against all challenges to equitable student success, particularly for historically underserved student populations, including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and students from low-income backgrounds.

    Banning race-conscious admissions will perpetuate long-standing inequalities in our education system. Considering race as a factor in admissions allows institutions to address these disparities and provide opportunities for students who have been historically underrepresented. It acknowledges these students’ unique experiences and challenges and aims to create a more diverse and inclusive learning environment.

    A college-educated populace brings numerous societal benefits. It fosters social mobility, reduces income inequality, and promotes a more inclusive, resilient, and diverse workforce, among other benefits. By excluding race as a factor, we risk creating campuses that fail to reflect the rich diversity of our society. This not only limits the educational experience for all students but also impedes the development of critical thinking, empathy, and cultural competence, which are vital skills in today’s interconnected world.

    While the full implications of this decision are yet to be fully understood, we stand with our network of national and Inland Empire educational partners committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education. Growing Inland Achievement remains steadfastly committed to increasing equitable educational attainment and economic success for all students, especially those who have historically faced systemic barriers. 

    In 2020, the GIA Board of Directors adopted five regional pillars of success that emphasize our collective commitment to inclusive educational access for all students, prioritizing the elimination of systemically racist policies and practices. As we move forward, we all must redouble our efforts to create inclusive educational environments, expand college access programs, and implement holistic admissions practices that consider the diverse experiences and backgrounds of students. 

    Dedicated to Inland Empire students, of whom 72% in the K-12 system are Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, or American Indian/Alaska Native, Growing Inland Achievement will continue to provide resources and support to elevate the voices and experiences of these students. Together, we can strive for a future where educational opportunities are truly equitable and accessible for all, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

    About Growing Inland Achievement

    Growing Inland Achievement, which serves both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, is a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.

    GIA staff support this work by researching issues and opportunities, developing financial resources for the region, and connecting diverse stakeholders across the two-county region of the Inland Empire.

    GIA’s shared vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities, and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.

  • Bill Gates writes about his experience visiting Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga

    Bill Gates writes about his experience visiting Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga

    In a recent blog post titled “A map from classroom to career,” Bill Gates reflects on a recent visit to Chaffey College to learn more about creating effective pathways for students to achieve their academic and career goals. This is one of the many promising programs across the country that is putting students on a path to continue their education after high school before they’ve even graduated.

    By providing dual enrollment, advising, and wraparound support, students receive college credits and the guidance they need to smoothly transition into college and continue their education. Many students receive job offers before they even graduate. Read more about Gates’ visit.

    The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been a close partner of the Inland Empire Educational Network for several years and is consistently impressed by the work across the region. As one of six Transformation Intermediaries in the nation to be selected by the Gates Foundation, Growing Inland Achievement is working closely with all Inland Empire postsecondary institutions to bring support from the Foundation to drive equitable student success. Postsecondary leadership should contact Dr. Thomas Dickson, GIA Director of Institutional Support, at thomas@gia.echofactory.dev, for more information on how your institution can receive support.

  • Education Insight: Where Policy Helps and Hurts Local Education

    Education Insight: Where Policy Helps and Hurts Local Education

    About This Episode

    Season 3. Episode 5.

    In the Inland Empire, our students count on teachers and administrators to help them make it to graduation. But in fact, they, our whole community, are counting on legislators to create good education policies. Policy that makes the road to graduation equitable, affordable, and possible. Are the policies that affect our students working for them or against them? This week three top experts lay it out for us. Dr. Nohemy Ornelas, Vice Chancellor of Educational and Student Support Services for the San Bernardino Community College District. Ann Marie Sakrekoff, the Interim CEO of Growing Inland Achievement, and Dr. Brittnee Quintanar, of Norco College conducted a study that put her in front of our top education leaders asking what they think about it. Join us for the next Education Insight. 

    Featured Guests

    Dr. Brittnee Quintanar

    Norco College, Counselor and Instructor.

    Brittnee Amberley Quintanar, Ph.D., has worked in higher education since 2006, primarily with California community colleges located in the Inland Empire of southern California, a region with historically low college-going and completion rates. Previous roles include alumni coordinator, grant program coordinator, and institutional researcher. Presently Dr. Quintanar serves as counselor, guidance instructor, and guided pathways faculty coordinator at Norco College. Her work over the last decade helping primarily neo-traditional students navigate the complexities of our higher education systems, serve as the as the impetus for her policy-focused research and advocacy.

    Dr. Nohemy Ornelas

    Vice Chancellor of Educational and Student Support Services, San Bernardino Community College District.

    Dr. Nohemy Ornelas is the Vice Chancellor of Educational and Student Services at the San Bernardino Community College District, where she oversees industry partnerships, workforce training, and manages programs to support students reach their academic and career goals. Throughout her 25 years serving the public and 18 years in higher education, Dr. Ornelas has promoted equity-minded programs to expand educational opportunities for students and families. Before joining SBCCD, Dr. Ornelas served as Associate Superintendent/Vice President for Student Services at Allan Hancock College, focusing on implementing the college’s Student Equity Plan, SSSP, Outreach Plan, the Noncredit Student Success and Support Plan, and the Student Equity and Achievement Program. She developed the college’s center for Dreamers, expanded the Student Veteran and DSPS programs, and rolled out the Hancock Promise. She has received numerous accolades, including the Future Leaders of America Latino Legacy Award, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Honored Alumni, the Pacific Coast Business Times 40 under 40 award, and Santa Barbara County’s Commission for Women Service Award. A first-generation college student, Dr. Ornelas began her educational career as a community college student, completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara, master’s degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and earned her doctorate in education at California State University, Fresno.

    Ann Marie Sakrekoff

    Interim President & CEO, Growing Inland Achievement.

    Ann Marie Sakrekoff has been named Interim President & CEO of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), effective May 15, following the retirement of Dr. Carlos Ayala.

    GIA serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties as a regional, cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit and business partners in the Inland Empire; collectively, they work towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.

    Sakrekoff has over 20 years of higher education and nonprofit leadership experience, including her current role as GIA’s Chief Operating Officer.

    Sakrekoff stated, “I am proud and excited to take on the Interim CEO role during such an exciting time for GIA as we continue building on our service to the Inland Empire educational network of students, families, institutions, and community partners. GIA will remain focused on its mission, impact, and growth while we search for our next permanent CEO.”

    Interview Highlights

    5:14 – Brittnee describes her research on public higher education. 

    6:11 – Brittnee reflects on how she helps students on a day-day basis and helps navigate their way through higher education.

    9:23 – Brittnee shares more details on her recent dissertation study.

    13:13 – Brittnee explains the startling discovery behind research regarding the roadblocks to local college and university student success.

    31:30 – Nohemy describes how the student experience has improved as a direct result of good policy.

    33:26 – Nohemy shares an area that really needs work and could benefit from the policy change.

    35:35 – Nohemy describes the process of developing district policy and procedures for educational services.

    39:19 – Nohemy talks about work being done locally and on capitol hill to address current student barriers and issues. 

    42:27 – Ann Marie gives insight into hot topics surrounding local and statewide education policy.

    44:04 – Ann Marie shares some of the good work being done here locally in the Inland Empire.

    46:22 – Ann Marie shares the positive impacts seen due to Assembly Bill 469 being passed.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.