Growing Inland Achievement

Category: Education Insight Podcast

  • Education Insight: Voices Behind Bars: How Chaffey College Is Teaching Journalism at the California Institution for Men

    Education Insight: Voices Behind Bars: How Chaffey College Is Teaching Journalism at the California Institution for Men

    About This Episode

    Season 6. Episode 3.

    This episode of Education Insight takes listeners inside the California Institution for Men, where Chaffey College is redefining what access to education can look like. Through a groundbreaking journalism program, incarcerated students are gaining the tools to share their own voices and experiences with the world.

    Professor Robert Ian Jones, who leads the initiative, explains how a grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation has created a unique partnership between incarcerated students and Chaffey journalism majors on campus. The program not only builds skills in reporting and storytelling but also bridges communities that rarely get the chance to connect.

    We also hear from Lionel Getton, a third-year student journalist, who shares his perspective on mentoring within the program and why empowering people to tell their own stories has the potential to transform lives.

    By breaking down barriers to education and amplifying voices from inside prison walls, this initiative is helping to redefine both journalism and justice in the Inland Empire.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. Jeff Oldfield
    Executive Director of Innovation and Competitive Advantage, Riverside County Office of Education

    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: Rethinking College Pathways: A First-Gen’s Journey to Transform Higher Education

    Education Insight: Rethinking College Pathways: A First-Gen’s Journey to Transform Higher Education

    About This Episode

    Season 6. Episode 2.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we sit down with Nikolas Huot, a first-generation college student who turned his own challenges into a career dedicated to helping others succeed. From changing majors and facing financial roadblocks to finally discovering his true passion, Nikolas’s story reflects the struggles that many first-gen and nontraditional students experience on their journey through higher education.

    Now a leader in the field, Nikolas is using those experiences to shape more equitable pathways to college completion. He shares practical ways that institutions can break down systemic barriers, provide stronger support networks, and design programs that truly meet students where they are. His mission is clear: to ensure that more learners—especially those who may be the first in their families to pursue a degree—have the opportunity to reach the finish line.

    Through personal storytelling and policy insight, this conversation highlights why equity in higher education matters, and how empowering students to persist can change not just their lives, but the future of our communities.

    Featured Guest

    Nikolas Huot
    Assistant Vice President for Institutional Transformation, Complete College America

    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: AI and the American Teacher

    Education Insight: AI and the American Teacher

    About This Episode

    Season 6. Episode 1.

    Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s already in our classrooms, shaping how students learn and how teachers teach. But with every new technology comes new questions. In this episode of Education Insight, Dr. Jeff Oldfield, Executive Director of Innovation and Competitive Advantage at the Riverside County Office of Education, shares his perspective on the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to K–12 education.

    Drawing on his experience as a former Education Leadership Executive at Apple, Dr. Oldfield discusses how AI tools can help address everyday classroom challenges, lighten the load for overworked teachers, and even close critical learning gaps. At the same time, he dives into pressing concerns around student privacy, data use, environmental impact, and the ethical role of tech companies in education.

    This wide-ranging conversation explores how teachers are responding to AI, whether schools truly understand the technology, and what it will take to ensure AI doesn’t make education more impersonal but instead creates smarter, safer, and more equitable learning environments. For parents, educators, and community members alike, this episode offers candid insights and thought-provoking questions about how AI is reshaping the future of education—and what we should be striving for as it continues to evolve.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. Jeff Oldfield
    Executive Director of Innovation and Competitive Advantage, Riverside County Office of Education

    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: Supporting Dreamers Through Education and Advocacy

    Education Insight: Supporting Dreamers Through Education and Advocacy

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 19.

    Gaby Pacheco, CEO of TheDream.US, and Fermin Vasquez, Director of Communications, are here to discuss their organization’s inspiring mission and vision. TheDream.US has become the largest organization in the U.S. providing college and career assistance to Dreamers, offering crucial scholarships to undocumented students. In this episode of Education Insight, Gaby and Fermin dive into what inspired the creation of TheDream.US and how the organization has evolved to become a lifeline for so many students in need.

    As advocates for Dreamers, they share how TheDream.US defines success, measuring the impact of their work with key milestones and metrics. They also discuss the challenges they face in expanding access to scholarships and the ways in which the organization fights for policy change to support undocumented students, both at the state and national levels.

    Beyond tuition support, Gaby and Fermin discuss the emotional and social support systems in place to help students thrive. They explain their unique Opportunity Scholarship for students in “locked-out” states and shed light on the future of the organization and the crucial work they do to ensure that Dreamers have the tools and resources they need to succeed. If you’re interested in the intersection of education, immigration, and student success, this episode is a must-listen!

    Featured Guest

    Gaby Pacheco
    President and CEO, TheDream.US

    Maria Gabriela (“Gaby”) Pacheco, an influential immigrant rights and education leader from Miami, Florida, is the President and CEO of TheDream.US. As an immigrant with a mixed-status family, she intimately understands the complexities and challenges faced by immigrant families in the US. For two decades, Pacheco has played a pivotal role in advocating for immigration and immigrant rights. In 2010, alongside three undocumented students, she led the Trail of Dreams, a remarkable four-month walk from Miami to Washington, DC. Two years later, she spearheaded efforts to establish the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Pacheco made history as the first undocumented Latina to testify before Congress on April 22, 2013, addressing the Senate Judiciary Committee and highlighting the urgent need for immigration reform.

    Pacheco’s exceptional contributions have garnered recognition and accolades. She was listed in Forbes magazine’s “30 Under 30: Education” and “40 Under 40: Latinos in American Politics.” She received an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Humanities from The New School in 2015 and was featured in Elle magazine’s 30th-anniversary issue, “This is 30,” alongside the world’s 30 most notable women. She also appeared on the June 2012 TIME Magazine cover along with 30 other immigrant leaders.

    Pacheco is a highly sought-after national political analyst, regularly sharing her expertise on networks such as Univision, Telemundo, MSNBC, CNN, and CNN en Español. She has also contributed opinion pieces to newspapers such as the New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today. 

    Despite being undocumented, Pacheco fought for higher education and earned multiple degrees in education from Miami Dade College.

    On June 21, 2023, Pacheco achieved one of her biggest dreams and became a naturalized US Citizen. Gaby resides in Miami with her husband and their five rescued dogs.

    Fermin Vasquez

    Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement, TheDream.US

    Growing up with a single mom in Pico-Union near downtown Los Angeles, Fermin understood the values of hard work, education, and giving back. He is the first in his family to graduate from college and has dedicated his life and talents to improving the lives of others.

    As a communications professional with over 15 years of experience, Fermin has worked with some of the most dynamic organizations and political leaders in California, including Community Coalition, SEIU, CHIRLA, Senator Laphonza Butler, and LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. His expertise in the digital space has engaged millions of people to take action, transforming supporters into online activists, voters, and donors.

    Fermin’s campaign work with employers and clients has been featured in major media outlets such as the LA Times, La Opinión, Univision, Telemundo, ABC, NBC, The Sacramento Bee, Teen Vogue, NPR, and more.

    In his free time, Fermin is an avid soccer player.

    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: Navigating the Future of Student Loan Forgiveness

    Education Insight: Navigating the Future of Student Loan Forgiveness

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 18.

    Betsy Mayotte, a nationally recognized expert in student loan policy and borrower advocacy, is the founder and president of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA), a nonprofit that offers free, neutral advice to student loan borrowers. In this episode of Education Insight, Betsy sheds light on the current state of student loan forgiveness, particularly focusing on the potential risks borrowers face as the Biden administration’s forgiveness plan comes under scrutiny.

    As recent political changes impact programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Betsy discusses what these shifts mean for millions of teachers, nurses, military servicemembers, and other essential workers who depend on these programs. She answers pressing questions about whether borrowers who have already received forgiveness could see it revoked, and what actions they should take to protect their status.

    Betsy also provides valuable insights for borrowers who have been paying on their loans for decades, helping them navigate the uncertainty surrounding loan forgiveness, repayment, and federal student loan policies. Finally, she offers advice on where to find reliable, unbiased information as the future of student loan forgiveness remains in flux. If you’re feeling anxious about your student loan status, this episode is a must-listen!

    Featured Guest

    Betsy Mayotte
    Founder and President of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors

    Betsy is the President and Founder of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA). She has been working in the student loan industry doing compliance and advocacy work for over 20 years and has helped thousands of borrowers with their student loans.

    Betsy has served as a primary negotiator for several federal Title IV negotiated rulemaking sessions on topics such as the use of student loans at foreign schools, loan rehabilitation and borrower defense to repayment. In addition, Mayotte frequently conducts regulatory trainings for the higher education financing industry both in the United States and as far away as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. She is regularly quoted in the media on student loan issues including the Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe.  She was recently featured in Money magazine as one of the top 50 influential Changemakers in America’s finances.  Betsy was born and raised in Lowell, MA and currently lives in Plymouth, MA.

    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.