Growing Inland Achievement

Category: Information

  • Inland Empire Unites Around Bold New Strategic Plan to Increase Postsecondary Attainment and Economic Opportunity

    Inland Empire Unites Around Bold New Strategic Plan to Increase Postsecondary Attainment and Economic Opportunity

    GIA’s New Strategic Plan Charts Course to 70% Postsecondary Attainment in the Inland Empire

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) has officially launched its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, a regionally developed blueprint aimed at transforming education and workforce outcomes across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Anchored in a shared goal to increase the Inland Empire’s postsecondary attainment rate to 70%, the plan reflects the collective voices of hundreds of regional leaders, educators, and community members who participated in a year-long planning process.

    The plan is grounded in a formal Board resolution endorsing a regional goal of 70% postsecondary attainment among working-age adults, which is aligned with the State of California’s higher education and workforce objectives. It outlines a clear path toward this goal by targeting improvements across five critical cradle-to-career milestones: (1) early literacy and middle school math proficiency, (2) high school readiness through A-G completion and dual enrollment, (3) postsecondary enrollment and transfer, (4) postsecondary completion, and (5) successful transition to employment with a livable wage. GIA will support regional partners in advancing these outcomes through its CAIR strategy—Convene, Advocate, Invest, and Research—and by implementing a collective impact framework that drives coordinated, data-informed action across sectors.

    “This is more than a plan. It’s a regional commitment to our students, families, and future workforce,” said Dr. Ashish Vaidya, President and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement. “We are calling on every sector—education, business, philanthropy, and government—to join in advancing this vision. When more Inland Empire residents earn credentials of value, we strengthen families, drive economic growth, and position the region as a national model for equitable opportunity.”

    Strategic Vision Grounded in Regional Voices

    The 2025–2030 Strategic Plan was built through deep listening and broad engagement. GIA facilitated dozens of focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and stakeholder surveys over the past year to ensure the plan reflected regional priorities. The final product aligns with key state initiatives including the California Blueprint for Higher Education, the Vision 2030 roadmap for community colleges, and regional P-16 efforts.

    Regional stakeholders coalesced around a shared understanding: long-term progress toward goal attainment depends on improving student outcomes at every stage of the educational journey. The plan elevates five interconnected cradle-to-career milestones and ties them to goals, annual benchmarks, and shared metrics—creating a structure for accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.

    A Plan That Belongs to the Region

    “This plan reflects the aspirations of our entire region, not just one organization,” said Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, GIA Board Chair and Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District. “The 70% attainment goal is bold but achievable—if we work together. Every school, college, nonprofit, and employer has a role to play.”

    GIA’s role moving forward will be to support partners in turning strategy into action. Through the CAIR strategy, GIA will strengthen regional coordination, advocate for policies that remove systemic barriers, invest in initiatives with potential for broad impact, and deliver timely research to inform decisions and track progress.

    “Whether you’re a school counselor, business leader, or elected official, this plan offers a roadmap for how we can work together to expand opportunity,” added Paul Granillo, GIA Board Member and President & CEO of Inland Empire Economic Partnership. “It’s an invitation to contribute to the future of our region.”

    Get Involved

    To view the full plan and explore ways to engage, visit:
    🔗 https://bit.ly/giastrategicplan2030

    GIA welcomes opportunities to present a strategic plan overview at community meetings, business roundtables, or public forums. To schedule a presentation, contact Viri Saldana-Borden at viri@gia.echofactory.dev.

    Community members are also encouraged to:

    • Sign up for GIA’s email updates to stay connected on progress, events, and opportunities
    • Save the date for GIA’s 2025 Toward a Shared Vision Summit, GIA’s annual regional convening on October 28-29, 2025, at the Riverside Convention Center.

    About Growing Inland Achievement
    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) serves the Inland Empire region of Southern California—home to more than 4.7 million residents and over one million students. GIA connects education, government, nonprofit, and business partners around a shared commitment to improving educational attainment and economic mobility. Through its CAIR strategy—Convene, Advocate, Invest, and Research—GIA supports coordinated, data-informed efforts that strengthen outcomes from cradle to career.

    Media Contact:
    Jake Poore
    Director of Communication
    Growing Inland Achievement
    jake@gia.echofactory.dev

  • GIA Selected as Client for UCR Master of Public Policy Capstone Project

    GIA Selected as Client for UCR Master of Public Policy Capstone Project

    Growing Inland Achievement selected as a client for UC Riverside’s capstone project to develop policy solutions for returning adult learners in the Inland Empire.

    INLAND EMPIRE, CA – Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) has been selected as a client for this year’s UC Riverside School of Public Policy (SPP) Master of Public Policy (MPP) capstone project. This unique program connects organizations with second-year MPP students to tackle critical issues through applied research and policy analysis.

    GIA’s project will focus on identifying effective policies to support returning adult learners in the Inland Empire. A team of three talented students—Veronica Ibarra, Denise Mayen, and Jesica Santiago—will lead this research under the academic direction of Dr. Andy Crosby, Assistant Professor of Teaching at UCR’s SPP, and with support from the Center for Community Solutions (CCS).

    Dr. Justine Ross, Executive Director of the Center for Community Solutions in UCR’s School of Public Policy shares, “Our Center’s mission is to connect academic research with practice and policy, so we are grateful to count Growing Inland Achievement as a partner in this effort and excited for the UCR School of Public Policy’s master’s students to gain real-world experience developing evidence-based recommendations to the benefit adult learners in our region.” 

    This collaborative effort will run from January to June, delivering actionable insights to inform GIA’s work in fostering equitable educational and economic opportunities for adult learners in the region.

    “We’re excited to collaborate with the exceptional students and faculty at UC Riverside to explore solutions that address the challenges faced by adult learners in our region,” said Ashish Vaidya, CEO of GIA. “This partnership offers a valuable opportunity to bring new insights to an issue that is critical to our mission.”


    About Growing Inland Achievement  

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) serves the Inland Empire region of Southern California—the 12th largest metropolitan statistical area in the U.S., including over 4.7 million residents and over one million students. GIA supports a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners, collectively working to achieve a shared vision of educational and economic success. 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. 

  • The Transformative Power of Postsecondary Education in California’s Inland Empire 

    The Transformative Power of Postsecondary Education in California’s Inland Empire 

    In California’s Inland Empire, education is more than just a pathway to personal success—it’s a driving force behind regional economic growth and social well-being. Our latest fact sheet, “The Effects of Postsecondary Education in California’s Inland Empire,” uncovers the significant impact that postsecondary education has on our communities, our economy, and the lives of individuals throughout the region. 

    The Economic Ripple Effect of Education 

    For each additional postsecondary graduate in the Inland Empire, the region’s annual Gross Regional Product (GRP) increases by nearly $100,000. This is not just a number; it’s a testament to the transformative power of education. Every graduate not only gains personal economic benefits, such as increased earnings and better job opportunities, but also contributes to the broader economy by expanding the tax base, generating support jobs, investing in capital assets, and boosting local spending. 

    Graduates are more likely to purchase homes, with the average postsecondary graduate in the Inland Empire being able to afford roughly $213,752 more in home value than someone without a degree. This translates to stronger, more stable communities with greater investment in the local economy. The fact sheet highlights that for every postsecondary graduate, there are an additional 4.8 support jobs created throughout the California economy. 

    Regions with higher concentrations of college graduates also tend to have more robust local economies and higher levels of entrepreneurship and innovation. This economic growth, in turn, leads to greater educational opportunities, further enhancing community prosperity. 

    Social and Community Benefits 

    Beyond the numbers, the social impact of education is profound. Postsecondary graduates are more likely to be employed—even during economic downturns—and enjoy better physical and mental health outcomes, with less reliance on social safety nets. They are also more civically engaged, participating in voting, volunteering, and philanthropy at higher rates than non-graduates. These graduates not only improve their own lives but also enhance the social fabric of entire communities. 

    Reducing Economic Inequality 

    Education is a powerful tool for reducing economic inequality in the Inland Empire. The greater earning power and job security results in increased financial stability and the ability to invest in future generations, thereby helping to reduce the cycle of poverty and promote economic mobility. Furthermore, investing in college access and completion for under-represented groups can significantly reduce racial/ethnic disparities in income, health, and other social outcomes. 

    A Call to Action 

    The data clearly shows that investing in education is not just a personal choice; it’s a community imperative. As we strive to meet the ambitious goal set by Governor Newsom—70% of Californians earning a postsecondary degree by 2030—we must work collectively to support our students and ensure that a college education remains accessible to all. 

    Our region has the potential to become a beacon of educational success, but it will require sustained effort from all sectors—educational institutions, government, businesses, and community organizations—to advocate for policies and initiatives that remove barriers to higher education. By working together, we can ensure that the Inland Empire’s future is one of growth, equity, and prosperity. 

    Download the Factsheet

    To explore the full findings and data behind “The Effects of Postsecondary Education in California’s Inland Empire,” download the fact sheet by entering your contact information. This comprehensive resource provides detailed insights into how education drives economic and social progress in our region. 

     

  • GIA Relaunches Award-Winning Education Insight Radio Show and Podcast

    GIA Relaunches Award-Winning Education Insight Radio Show and Podcast

    Education Insight Production Team (pictured above, left to right): Tyler Veazey, Corona CA (Production Engineer); Lacey Kendall, Banning, CA (Host and Broadcast Consultant); Alyssa Silva, Coachella, CA (Assistant Producer); Jake Poore, Corona, CA (Executive Producer).

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) is excited to announce the relaunch of its award-winning radio show and podcast, Education Insight, in a new and improved format. Beginning August 22, 2024, Education Insight will air weekly on KVCR 91.9 FM, with an expanded broadcast schedule and format that promises to bring more insights, education topics, and opportunities for listeners to tune in.

    Expanded Broadcast Schedule

    The new format includes three weekly broadcast times on KVCR:

    • Thursdays at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM
    • Saturdays at 4:00 PM

    In addition to KVCR, Education Insight will also be broadcast at various times throughout the week on three additional radio outlets:

    • KCAA Radio (1050 AM and 106.5 FM)
    • KQLH (92.5 FM)
    • KFXM (98.3 FM)

    GIA and KVCR have enjoyed a long-standing partnership in producing Education Insight. The show’s new format includes a 30-minute weekly episode, replacing the previous monthly schedule. This change reflects GIA and KVCR’s commitment to providing more frequent and in-depth coverage of critical education issues in the Inland Empire and beyond.

    Executive Director of KVCR, Connie Leyva emphasizes, “we are so excited to introduce the 30 minute weekly version of Education Insight to KVCR listeners. Knowledge is power, enjoy!”

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    Innovative Integration into Higher Education

    In a significant development, episodes of Education Insight have been integrated into the curriculum at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). The Liberal Studies program in the College of Arts & Letters now includes the show’s content as part of its curriculum for students aspiring to become educators. This collaboration aims to provide future teachers with a comprehensive understanding of key education issues, enhancing their knowledge of current challenges and innovations in the field.

    “CSUSB recognizes the value of bringing authentic, relevant, and meaningful information to our future educators,” said Dani Doueiri, Interim Coordinator of the Liberal Studies program at CSUSB. “Research shows that each teacher impacts thousands of students during their career, many of whom will stay in our region. Education Insight offers a unique and comprehensive resource to start their journey.”

    GIA’s Director of Communication, Jake Poore, added, “We are honored that Education Insight is being used to help prepare the next generation of educators. This collaboration reflects our commitment to enhancing education at all levels in our community.”

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    Additional Programming

    In addition to Education Insight, another GIA-produced program, The GIA Education Report, a 3.5-minute weekly news segment on current education topics, will also begin airing on KCAA Radio in September. This expansion highlights GIA’s ongoing efforts to inform the public on vital education issues affecting the Inland Empire and beyond.

    For more information and to listen to past episodes, visit the Education Insight website at https://gia.echofactory.dev/education-insight.

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) serves the Inland Empire region of Southern California—the 12th largest metropolitan statistical area in the U.S., including over 4.7 million residents and over one million students. GIA supports a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners, collectively working to achieve a shared vision of educational and economic success. 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.

  • Working Together to Boost Regional Financial Aid Applications

    Working Together to Boost Regional Financial Aid Applications

    We recently shared Yajahira Young Tafolla’s story of overcoming challenges to complete her financial aid application. Her experience underscores the vital importance of supporting our students in navigating the financial aid process.

    GIA is calling on the entire Inland Empire community to make a final push to promote financial aid applications during the current application cycle. Here are some specific ways you can support these efforts:

    1. Use Our Outreach Toolkit: Utilize our promotional toolkit to spread the word to students and parents through your outreach channels. Promotional Toolkit Link
    2. Encourage Office Hours Attendance: Encourage students and parents to attend our free online office hours for questions and support with their applications. Sessions are open Monday – Friday from 3:30-7:30 PM PST. Participants may join at any time. Office Hours Link
    3. Utilize IESuccess.org: Direct families to the resources available at IESuccess.org for step-by-step guides and tools to complete their financial aid applications. Financial Aid Resources Link

    “We need your help to ensure every student in the Inland Empire has the opportunity to access the financial aid they need,” said Dr. Ashish Vaidya, President and CEO of GIA. “You can play a crucial role in increasing application submissions by promoting the opportunity to apply through your network.”

    Vanessa Boekenoogen, Assistant Director of Communication at GIA, emphasizes, “We want every student to have the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial barriers. We’re calling on everyone in our network to amplify their efforts over the next month to reach as many students and families as possible.”

    We appreciate your continued support and collaboration.

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) serves the Inland Empire region of Southern California—the 12th largest metropolitan statistical area in the U.S., including over 4.7 million residents and over one million students. GIA supports a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners, collectively working to achieve a shared vision of educational and economic success. 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.