Growing Inland Achievement

Category: Resources

  • GIA Advances $10M Initiative to Support Inland Empire Student Success

    GIA Advances $10M Initiative to Support Inland Empire Student Success

    20 Local Postsecondary Institutions Partner in Higher Endeavor Initiative Backed by Gates Foundation

    Inland Empire, CA—Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) announced a significant milestone in its efforts to increase educational and economic success in the Inland Empire: Twenty postsecondary institutions serving the Inland Empire have signed on to participate in a multi-year “Higher Endeavor” initiative aimed at improving student success across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

    Funded by a $9.6 million grant from the Gates Foundation and bolstered by support from ECMC Foundation, the initiative represents more than $10 million in investment toward postsecondary transformation at scale. GIA is one of six organizations selected nationally to serve in an intermediary capacity, supporting institutions through technical assistance, research, and systems-change strategies.

    With MOUs now signed by 20 local institutions, including public, private, and community colleges, GIA has secured full regional participation in the Higher Endeavor initiative. While other intermediaries in the national effort support institutions across multiple geographies, GIA’s focus is uniquely place-based. Serving the Inland Empire—home to more than 4.7 million residents and the 12th largest metro area in the nation—this milestone reflects an extraordinary level of regional alignment and commitment to improving postsecondary outcomes at scale.

    “This moment underscores the significance of regional collaboration in the Inland Empire,” said Dr. Ashish Vaidya, President and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement. “Our colleges and universities are stepping forward together, not just to improve outcomes on their campuses, but to align efforts and share solutions that move the region forward. This is what cross-sector leadership looks like.”

    Participating Institutions:

    • Barstow College
    • California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
    • California State University, Fullerton
    • California State University, San Bernardino
    • California State University, San Marcos
    • College of the Desert
    • Copper Mountain College
    • Crafton Hills College
    • Loma Linda University
    • Moreno Valley College
    • Mt. San Jacinto College
    • Norco College
    • Palo Verde College
    • Riverside City College
    • San Bernardino Valley College
    • University of California, Riverside
    • University of La Verne
    • University of Redlands
    • Victor Valley College
    • Woodbury University

    While a few campuses are located outside the Inland Empire’s geographic boundaries, each serves a substantial number of Inland Empire students and plays a critical role in the region’s educational ecosystem. Their inclusion reflects a shared commitment to increasing opportunity and access for Inland Empire learners.

    Supporting Institutions Through Tailored, Regional Solutions

    Through Higher Endeavor, GIA provides a core set of support to each institution, including:

    • Regional Summits and Workshops focused on shared learning and collaboration
    • Ongoing Professional Development and Coaching tailored to institutional needs
    • Peer Learning Cohorts known as Action Network Teams (ANTs), enabling cross-campus knowledge sharing
    • Customized Technical Assistance, including resource development and data analysis

    The initiative also supports the expanded use of data for decision-making. It helps institutions design strategies to address barriers to student success..

    Tied to a Broader Vision for the Region

    Higher Endeavor directly supports GIA’s new 2030 Strategic Plan, which aims to increase the percentage of working-age adults in the Inland Empire with a postsecondary degree or credential of value from 32% to 70%. This goal aligns with California’s statewide Blueprint for Higher Education and reflects the region’s shared interest in advancing equitable economic mobility.

    “Educational attainment is both a moral and economic imperative,” said Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of San Bernardino Community College District and GIA Board Chair. “This work not only strengthens our campuses, but also our workforce, our communities, and the region’s future.”

    GIA serves as a coordinating hub for cross-sector collaboration, data-informed strategy, and public-private investment. The Higher Endeavor initiative’s success to date highlights the region’s growing capacity to implement large-scale investments focused on equity-centered educational transformation.

    For more information on Growing Inland Achievement and the Higher Endeavor initiative, visit www.inlandempiregia.org.

    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

     

  • 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. 

     

  • Growing Inland Achievement Awarded $1,035,000 Grant from ECMC Foundation

    Growing Inland Achievement Awarded $1,035,000 Grant from ECMC Foundation

     

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) has received a $1,035,000 grant from the ECMC Foundation to help colleges and universities in the region improve equitable access to and success in postsecondary education, particularly for Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students, and students from low-income backgrounds.

    The funding will boost efforts to close equity gaps and make a college education more accessible and achievable for students in the Inland Empire. GIA will work with local colleges and universities to review current systems and processes and identify areas for improvement.

    This award from the ECMC Foundation complements GIA’s ongoing work as one of six Transformation Intermediaries selected by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to work on achieving postsecondary transformation at scale.

    “This grant will support our ongoing efforts to close equity gaps in higher education and ensure that race, ethnicity, and income are not predictors of postsecondary success,” said Ashish Vaidya, President and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement. “We are grateful to the ECMC Foundation for their generous support, which will allow us to engage experts who can help our regional colleges and universities make meaningful, lasting changes.”

    The ECMC Foundation grant will help GIA support schools in improving systems, policies, and processes that positively impact students. The funding will be used to bring in regional and national experts to provide training, coaching, and ongoing support as colleges and universities make these changes. The goal is to create student-centered systems focusing on long-term improvements rather than short-term fixes.

    GIA works closely with local college leaders to identify barriers that contribute to inequities and gaps in student outcomes. This process involves assessing current practices and evaluating strategic plans to provide targeted support in key areas such as academic advising, digital learning, strategic finance, and institutional research. These efforts aim to create an environment where students, especially those from underserved communities, can succeed. As a regional K-16 collaborative, GIA supports these efforts and addresses the unique needs of institutions in the Inland Empire.

    “ECMC Foundation is pleased to partner with Growing Inland Achievement in its mission to improve educational and economic outcomes in the Inland Empire,” said Jacob Fraire, President of the ECMC Foundation. By supporting this initiative, we are investing in the potential of education systems to advance equitable policies and practices to better serve students.”

     

    About Growing Inland Achievement

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) serves the Inland Empire region of Southern California—the 12th largest metropolitan area in the U.S., including over 4.7 million residents and over one million students. GIA supports a network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners working together to achieve a shared vision of educational and economic success. GIA’s vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be known for their educated workforce, thriving communities, and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.

     

    About ECMC Foundation

    ECMC Foundation is a national foundation whose North Star goal is to eliminate equity gaps in postsecondary completion by 2040 so that underserved learners have greater opportunities for social and economic mobility. The Foundation’s mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. ECMC Foundation makes strategic grants and program-related investments to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, guided by a strategic framework that aims to advance systemic change by removing barriers to postsecondary completion, building the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems, and transforming the postsecondary ecosystem. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org and our parent company, ECMC Group, by visiting www.ecmcgroup.org.”

  • 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.

  • GIA Launches IEsuccess.org: A New Resource for College Exploration and Success in the Inland Empire

    GIA Launches IEsuccess.org: A New Resource for College Exploration and Success in the Inland Empire

    GIA is excited to announce the launch of IEsuccess.org, a new website designed to support students, parents, and educators in the Inland Empire. This platform provides step-by-step guides for financial aid applications, a directory of Inland Empire colleges, and tips and tools for college success. While the current focus of content is primarily on high school students, additional information for other groups will be added over time.

    The development of IEsuccess.org was made possible through collaboration with numerous regional partners. Jake Poore, Director of Communication at GIA, acknowledges their contributions: “We appreciate the support from institutions and partners across the Inland Empire who have helped make this resource available.”

    Looking ahead, the website will expand to include live college counseling, job search resources, and information on apprenticeships and job training. Ann Marie Sakrekoff, COO at GIA, explains the motivation behind the project: “Our research indicates that online searches are a primary method for students and families to make college decisions. The Inland Empire has many high-quality colleges and universities but lacked a comprehensive directory and support resource to inform and guide these decisions.”

    This initiative aligns with GIA’s goal of promoting educational equity and increasing the postsecondary educational attainment rate in the Inland Empire, a region currently among the lowest college attainment rate in the U.S. for areas with populations over one million. Ashish Vaidya, President and CEO of GIA, underscores the website’s potential impact: “This website will enable us to reach more students and families with information and resources, helping to close educational attainment gaps and support educational equity in our region.”

    Community members are encouraged to share information about IEsuccess.org through their channels. For those interested in contributing content or promoting the site, please contact Jake Poore at jake@gia.echofactory.dev.

    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.