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Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) has joined the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), a national alliance that connects corporate and higher education executives to identify emerging skills and co-develop inclusive pathways that address talent needs. The move reflects GIA’s commitment to aligning education and workforce needs across the Inland Empire in support of regional economic prosperity. 

BHEF facilitates collaboration between business and postsecondary institutions to co-design pathways that lead to high-demand careers. In a 2024 BHEF national report, nearly 9 out 10 business and higher education executives reported that talent partnerships between business and higher education institutions were a top priority for their organizations. Yet only 1 in 5 higher education leaders reported fully executing a partnership strategy. Through this national network, GIA will connect with national peers to advance inclusive, regionally tailored models and activate best practices in closing regional partnership gaps between business and post-secondary leaders that limit student success. 

“We are pleased to welcome Growing Inland Achievement to BHEF’s national network of corporate, higher education, and philanthropic leaders,” said Kristen Fox, CEO of the Business-Higher Education Forum. “We know that skills disruptions in age of AI requires matching national insights with regional activation and tailoring to ensure every worker and learner gets access to in-demand skills. GIA’s regional leadership and focus on systems change exemplify how local innovation can meet the needs of businesses and learners in their communities. Together, we can expand access to AI skills and work-integrated learning approaches to ensure students, faculty, and employers are prepared for success in an AI-driven economy.” 

The partnership supports Goal 5 of GIA’s 2030 Strategic Plan, which calls for the creation of a Business Education Network (BEN) in the Inland Empire. The BEN will bring together employers, education leaders, and community stakeholders to identify regional workforce priorities, align postsecondary programs with local industry needs, and expand access to work-based learning and career-connected pathways. 

“Joining BHEF is an important step in helping our region strengthen connections between talent development and economic opportunity,” said Ashish Vaidya, President and CEO of GIA. “It complements our efforts to ensure that Inland Empire students are earning degrees and credentials of value that enable real economic mobility and measurable returns in the labor market.” 

As part of this work, GIA is engaging employers across key industries, including healthcare, logistics, education, and advanced manufacturing, to help shape the BEN and inform regional workforce strategy. The Forum’s national platform and resources will bolster GIA’s ability to bridge the gap between what students learn and what employers need. 

To learn more about the Business-Higher Education Forum, visit www.bhef.com.

Growing Inland Achievement featured as a regional leader aligning AI, education, and equity

October – Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) is featured in a new national initiative from Jobs for the Future (JFF), Reimagining Postsecondary Success in the Age of AI, which explores how artificial intelligence is transforming education and work—and how regions like the Inland Empire are leading the way.

Supported by the College Futures Foundation, the project profiles innovative efforts underway in California’s Inland Empire and Central Valley. These efforts center on using AI to expand educational opportunity, close equity gaps, and prepare learners for the jobs of the future. GIA’s work is highlighted as a model of how regional collaboration can guide equitable adoption of new technologies across postsecondary systems.

“In the Inland Empire, we’re not just adapting to change, we’re helping shape what AI means for education and workforce alignment,” said Dr. Ashish Vaidya, President and CEO of GIA. “Our focus is ensuring that every student—no matter their background—has access to pathways that lead to good jobs and upward mobility.”

The JFF report includes stories from educators, students, and employers across the Inland Empire who are creating inclusive, community-centered AI solutions. Through its role as a regional organization, GIA helps connect those efforts by aligning partners, sharing data-driven insights, and supporting institutional transformation across the cradle-to-career continuum.

This work builds on GIA’s broader mission to increase postsecondary attainment and economic opportunity in the region, where only 32% of working-age adults (ages 25–64) currently hold a degree or credential of value. AI presents both promise and risk—and GIA is working to ensure regional systems adopt new tools in ways that are ethical, student-centered, and equity-focused.

“AI is already reshaping industries across our region, from logistics and manufacturing to education and healthcare,” said Dr. Vaidya. “The question isn’t whether these changes will happen, but how we prepare Inland Empire students and workers to adapt, reskill, and grow. This is about building a regional culture of lifelong learning.”

To listen to Dr. Ashish Vaidya’s full perspective on how AI is reshaping learning, teaching, and career pathways, visit: https://youtu.be/o_K-P0outnY?si=Z1NfQZjMl-s8Lt24

Explore the full JFF resource here:
https://www.jff.org/idea/reimagining-postsecondary-success-in-the-age-of-ai/

GIA President & CEO Dr. Ashish Vaidya accepts a California Senate Resolution from Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh recognizing Growing Inland Achievement’s 10 years of impact in the Inland Empire. 

A milestone recognition of Growing Inland Achievement’s role in uniting partners to strengthen education and economic mobility. 

On October 2, 2025, Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) was formally recognized by the California State Senate for a decade of work to expand educational opportunity and strengthen socioeconomic mobility across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. 

During a visit to Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh’s office (19th District), Dr. Vaidya received the Senate Resolution, which commends GIA’s leadership as a regional collaborative dedicated to improving cradle-to-career outcomes, advancing equitable access to higher education, and preparing a stronger talent pipeline for the Inland Empire’s future. 

“The Inland Empire’s future depends on a strong education-to-career pathway. A talent pipeline isn’t built by accident. It is built through collaboration,” said Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh. “I appreciate GIA for investing in the future of our students.”

Since its founding in 2015, GIA has convened leaders from K–12 education, higher education, workforce, business, and community organizations to align strategies and share resources. Guided by its CAIR strategy—Convene, Advocate, Invest, and Research—GIA continues to champion the region’s shared goal of increasing postsecondary attainment among working-age adults and advancing equitable economic prosperity for all.

“This recognition belongs to our partners and communities across the Inland Empire,” said Dr. Vaidya. “Together, we have demonstrated what collective impact can achieve; breaking down barriers, securing resources, and creating opportunities so that every student and family has the chance to thrive.” 

GIA will celebrate its 10 years of progress during its annual convening on October 28-29 in Riverside, CA. For more information, visit inlandempiregia.org.  

Photo of Education Insight Host, Lacey Kendall, interviewing guest Mariana Macamay, Transfer Center Coordinator at Crafton Hills College.

Growing Inland Achievement’s radio and podcast program, Education Insight, has been named Locally Produced Radio or Television Program of the Year in 2025 by the Best of the West Media Awards, sponsored by the American Advertising Federation Western Region.

This is the second time the program has received this honor, following its first win in 2022. The award recognizes excellence in locally produced media and highlights the program’s continued impact in bringing forward education and community stories from across the Inland Empire.

Hosted by Lacey Kendall and produced by Alyssa Silva (Multimedia Production Specialist) and Jake Poore (Executive Producer), Education Insight features in-depth conversations with educators, students, and leaders who are shaping the region’s educational landscape. Each episode focuses on timely issues ranging from college access and affordability to workforce alignment and local innovation.

“This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to elevating authentic stories that matter to Inland communities,” said Lacey Kendall. “We’re grateful to our listeners, contributors, and partners who make this work possible.”

The Best of the West Media Awards celebrate creative excellence in media and public service across 13 western states, with award categories spanning advertising, content development, and community engagement. Entries are judged within designated market sizes to ensure a level playing field across regions.

Education Insight is part of GIA’s broader communications strategy to inform, connect, and engage stakeholders in advancing equitable educational outcomes. The program supports GIA’s CAIR strategy—Convene, Advocate, Invest, and Research—by highlighting voices and ideas that contribute to systems-level change.

To learn more about the Best of the West Media Awards and winners, visit https://aafwesternregion.org/media-awards-home/

To learn more about Education Insight or listen to recent episodes, visit inlandempiregia.org/education-insight

Growing Inland Achievement is excited to announce that registration is now open for Toward a Shared Vision 2025, taking place October 28–29, 2025, at the Riverside Convention Center.

• Early Bird Pricing: $225 for a limited time 

• Includes full access to sessions, awards dinner, fireside chat, meals, networking reception, and parking

This year’s summit theme—10 Years of Collective Action—marks a decade of regional progress and partnership. As we look ahead, we invite you to join us in shaping the future through focused conversations on student success, economic mobility, and cross-sector collaboration. 

With the launch of GIA’s 2030 Strategic Plan and the Inland Empire’s bold regional goal to reach 70% postsecondary attainment, this year’s summit will center on what it takes to accelerate impact across the cradle-to-career continuum, from K–12 and postsecondary education to career success. 

Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, researcher, or service provider, this is a space to share insights, challenge assumptions, and build momentum for the work ahead. 

Join us for two days of learning, connection, and action.  

Also Now Open:

• Call for Proposals – Share your work advancing K–12, postsecondary, or career success. Submit a proposal

• Award Nominations – Recognize excellence in collaboration, equity, and innovation. Submit a nomination

• Event Sponsorship Opportunities – Support regional progress and connect with cross-sector leaders. Learn more

Visit towardasharedvision.org for more information.