Growing Inland Achievement

Author: Growing Inland Achievement

  • Education Insight: Preparing Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow

    Education Insight: Preparing Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 7.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we are joined by Dr. Dale Marsden, the Founder & Chief Visionary of Tomorrow’s Talent, a transformative organization that partners with schools, businesses, and community groups to help students develop the skills needed for in-demand careers. Dr. Marsden, a former superintendent and prominent education consultant, discusses how Tomorrow’s Talent collaborates with employers in California to ensure students are equipped with the right skills. He also shares how schools and colleges can better align their programs with workforce needs and how his organization is empowering underrepresented communities to succeed in industries like healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

    The conversation delves into how evolving technologies and workforce trends, such as remote work, are shaping education and how students can be trained to thrive in these new environments. Dr. Marsden highlights the importance of adapting school curricula to stay ahead of emerging fields and meet the changing demands of the job market. Tune in to hear more about how Tomorrow’s Talent is preparing students for the future of work.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. Dale Marsden

    Founder and Chief Visionary, Tomorrow’s Talent

    Dr. Dale Marsden recently served as superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), California’s 10th largest urban public school district, which serves a diverse student population of 73 percent Latino and 14 percent African-American, in an area with a 91 percent poverty rate. The District serves over 50,000 students, 8,000 staff in 76 schools across a 98-square-mile radius. During Dr. Marsden’s tenure, the SBCUSD team experienced a historic increase in graduation rates from 66.8% to 93.6% (surpassing county, state, and national graduation rates), doubled the number of students eligible to attend 4-year universities, and increased from 5 to 53 high-growth, high-demand pathway experiences, ensuring equity and access for all students to high-wage careers in local and world industries.

    Dr. Marsden is a veteran of the United States Air Force and has over 30 years of experience in public education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino in Liberal Studies with a minor in mathematics, a master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a doctorate of education in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Pepperdine University, where he was named the 2016 Superintendent of the Year. In 2018, he was named a National Leader to Learn From by Education Week. In 2023, Dr. Marsden was reappointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors for his 3rd term on the Workforce Development Board and continues to serve on the Youth Committee.

    Dr. Marsden currently supports a host of state-wide and regional education reform and work-based learning initiatives, and is founder/owner/Chief Visionary of Tomorrow’s Talent, LLC a company focused on bridging education systems to the real world of work: “Local Talent, Local Employers, Local Economy”. Tomorrow’s Talent was nominated for the Chase ‘Icon Award’ in 2024 and received the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award for a Service Based Business in 2024.

    Watch the Episode

    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: A Visit to America’s Greatest Arts High School – Idyllwild Arts Academy

    Education Insight: A Visit to America’s Greatest Arts High School – Idyllwild Arts Academy

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 6.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we explore Idyllwild Arts Academy, one of the most prestigious arts high schools in the U.S., with Pamela Jordan, the President of the Academy. Pamela shares the story behind Idyllwild Arts, what sets it apart from other schools, and how it offers students an immersive experience that blends academic rigor with artistic passion. The academy’s international student body and its ability to evolve with new art forms like digital media and emerging music styles make it a truly unique institution.

    Pamela also discusses the challenges art-intensive schools face today and how Idyllwild Arts addresses these issues while nurturing the next generation of creative talent. She highlights some of the impressive faculty members and shares inspiring success stories of alumni who’ve gone on to thrive in the arts. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about how Idyllwild Arts helps students pursue careers in the arts and why it’s considered one of the top arts academies in the nation. Learn more about the academy at www.idyllwildarts.org.

    Featured Guest

    Pamela Jordan

    President and Head of School, Idyllwild Arts Academy

    Pamela Jordan was appointed President of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation in July, 2014. In 2016, she also assumed the role of Head of School. Prior to joining IAF, she worked at Chicago Academy for the Arts (CAA) for twenty-three years, serving as Head of School for thirteen years. Pamela received a Bachelor of Music from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma and a Master of Education from Northeastern Illinois University. She has served on the boards of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools, is the immediate past president for the Board of Arts Schools Network, and is currently on the Board of Directors for the California Association of Independent Schools. Pamela has served as a resource panelist to the School of the Arts, Singapore where she also delivered the keynote address for the school’s first bi-annual Arts Forum.

    Watch the Episode

    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.

  • Success at the IE College Expo

    Success at the IE College Expo

    NCRF & GIA Staff at the IE College Expo

    On Friday, January 31, more than 2,000 students and families gathered at the Riverside Convention Center for the first-ever NCRF Inland Empire College Expo, an event to expand access to higher education. The event was hosted by Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) in partnership with the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF).

    Students had the opportunity to meet with representatives from public and private universities, community colleges, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Those who brought transcripts were considered for immediate acceptance, resulting in 187 students receiving on-the-spot college offers and more than $3.3 million in scholarships awarded.

    The strong turnout underscores the region’s continued demand for college access support. GIA remains committed to convening partners, advocating for postsecondary opportunities, and investing in initiatives that create access to higher education.

    Watch the highlight video below to hear students share their experiences and future plans.

  • Education Insight: The Role of Universities in Addressing Climate Change

    Education Insight: The Role of Universities in Addressing Climate Change

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 5.

    In this episode of Education Insight, Dr. Jennie Stephens, author of Climate Justice and the University: Shaping a Hopeful Future for All, shares her insights on how higher education institutions are unprepared for the climate challenges ahead. As a researcher focused on climate justice, fossil fuel phaseout, and financial innovations for a more sustainable future, Jennie emphasizes the critical role universities must play in preparing students to address the complex realities of climate change.

    Jennie explains the shortcomings in current climate education and the importance of integrating climate justice into diverse disciplines, from business and engineering to social sciences. She discusses how universities can bridge the divide between majors and foster interdisciplinary collaboration to address climate challenges more effectively.

    With the political landscape shifting and climate threats intensifying, Jennie also offers practical advice for universities and communities committed to impactful climate action, despite setbacks. She highlights successful examples of partnerships between universities and local communities and suggests ways for local colleges to replicate these efforts.

    Tune in to hear a compelling conversation about how universities can lead the charge in climate action, equip students with the skills to combat climate change, and influence policy to create a safer, more sustainable future for all.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. Jennie C. Stephens

    Author of the 2024 book, Climate Justice and the University: Shaping a Hopeful Future for All.

    Jennie C. Stephens is a feminist, climate justice scholar-activist focused on transformation toward a more just, healthy, and stable future for all. She is Professor of Climate Justice at the National University of Ireland Maynooth and on the coordinating team of the Climate Justice Universities Union. She is a fellow at the Global Center for Climate Justice, Professor of Sustainability Science and Policy at Northeastern University in Boston and was a Climate Justice Fellow at Harvard-Radcliffe (2023-2024). Her book Climate Justice and the University: Shaping a Hopeful Future For All (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2024) proposes a paradigm shift to reimagine and restructure higher education to facilitate transformative social change toward ecological health and climate justice.

    Her research, teaching, and community engagement focus on integrating transformative social justice, feminist, anti-racist, decolonial perspectives into climate and energy policy, fossil fuel phaseout, the renewable energy transition, energy democracy, gender in energy and climate, and climate justice in higher education. In her 2020 book Diversifying Power: Why We Need Antiracist, Feminist Leadership on Climate and Energy (Island Press), she argues that effectively addressing climate change requires diversifying leadership, redistributing wealth and power, and moving beyond mainstream male-dominated technocratic solutions to climate change. Throughout her career she has explored institutional and cultural innovation in energy and climate with a focus on societal transformation.

    Jennie Stephens is on the advisory group of Feminists Communities for Climate Justice, is a member of the New England Grist Fixer Network, is part of the Climate Social Science Network, was a 2015-2016 Leopold Leadership fellow, and her book “Smart Grid (R)Evolution: Electric Power Struggles” (Cambridge University Press, 2015) explores social and cultural debates about energy system change (co-authored with Wilson & Peterson). Before joining Maynooth University in Ireland, Professor Stephens was on the faculty at Northeastern University, the University of Vermont (2014-2016) and Clark University (2005-2014). She did post-doctoral research at Harvard’s Kennedy School and she has taught courses at Tufts, Boston University, and MIT. She earned her PhD at the California Institute of Technology in Environmental Science & Engineering and her BA at Harvard University in Environmental Science and Policy.

    Watch the Episode

    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 Board Adopts Regional Goal to Increase Postsecondary Attainment to 70%

    GIA Board Adopts Regional Goal to Increase Postsecondary Attainment to 70%

    The Board of Directors of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) has formally adopted a Regional Call to Action committing to a bold regional goal: 70% of working-age adults (ages 25–64) in the Inland Empire will hold a postsecondary degree or credential of value by 2030.

    The resolution reflects a shared regional vision to increase educational attainment and economic mobility through cross-sector collaboration. It aligns with California’s statewide postsecondary attainment goal, while also addressing the Inland Empire’s specific need for a more competitive, highly skilled workforce.

    Currently, only 32% of working-age adults in the region have completed a postsecondary credential. Reaching 70% will require measurable progress across the cradle-to-career continuum—including early literacy, high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment and completion, and alignment of credentials with livable-wage employment sectors.

    “This is our collective call to action,” the resolution states. “Achieving this goal is not about a single institution or sector. It requires regional commitment across education, business, government, and community organizations.”

    The Regional Call to Action also highlights the economic implications of educational attainment. Research shows that each additional college graduate contributes nearly $100,000 in annual regional gross product and supports the creation of 4.8 local jobs. The resolution commits GIA to setting annual targets and supporting a shared measurement system to track progress over time.

    The goal is part of GIA’s broader 2030 Strategic Plan. “This goal aligns with the state’s vision, but it is also uniquely ours,” said Dr. Ashish K. Vaidya, GIA President & CEO. “It reflects the urgency of this moment and our responsibility to work together across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties to expand educational success and economic mobility for Inland Empire residents.”

    The resolution was formally adopted and signed by the full GIA Board of Directors:

    • Dr. Ashish K. Vaidya, President & CEO, Growing Inland Achievement

    • Ted Alejandre, County Superintendent of Schools, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

    • Michelle Decker, President & CEO, Inland Empire Community Foundation

    • Dr. Edwin Gomez, County Superintendent of Schools, Riverside County Office of Education

    • Paul Granillo, President & CEO, Inland Empire Economic Partnership

    • Dr. Wolde-Ab Isaac, Chancellor, Riverside Community College District

    • Dr. Tomas D. Morales, President, California State University, San Bernardino

    • Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor, San Bernardino Community College District

    • Dr. Henry D. Shannon, Superintendent/President, Chaffey College

    • Sheila Thornton, President & CEO, OneFuture Coachella Valley

    • Dr. Kim A. Wilcox, Chancellor, University of California, Riverside

    The full Call to Action document is available at: https://bit.ly/regionalcta