Growing Inland Achievement

Category: Support

  • 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

     

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Growing Inland Achievement Accelerates Supports for Students and Families Amid Financial Aid Challenges

    Growing Inland Achievement Accelerates Supports for Students and Families Amid Financial Aid Challenges

    Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) supports local students and families in navigating college financial aid applications with online office hours, outreach campaigns, and a new resource website, IEsuccess.org.

    Yajahira Young Tafolla pictured filling out online financial aid forms at her home in Pomona, CA.

    Yajahira Young Tafolla, a 24-year-old from Pomona, CA, is the first in her family to attend college. Like many students, she relies on financial aid to fund her education. This year, however, she faced unique challenges in completing her financial aid application due to delays and complications with the online form. Yajahira received support and guidance by attending GIA’s online office hours and an in-person Cash for College workshop at California State University, San Bernardino, which helped her successfully navigate the financial aid process and submit her application.

    This year has been particularly challenging for students like Yajahira. The FAFSA Simplification Act, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, aimed to make federal student aid more accessible by streamlining the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and expanding Pell Grant eligibility. However, the rollout of the new form has been fraught with delays and technical issues. As of July 5, 2024, the Inland Empire has seen 4,752 fewer FAFSA submissions compared to the same time last year, representing a 12.1% decrease, according to NCAN’s FAFSA Tracker.

    In response to challenges and decreases in application numbers nationwide, the U.S. Department of Education launched a national effort to promote financial aid, encouraging students to apply for billions of available funds. Students interested in attending a California Community College have until September 3, 2024, to apply for funding to help cover their higher education costs for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    “The completion of financial aid applications is a critical leading indicator of college enrollment,” said Ann Marie Sakrekoff, COO of GIA. “As more students complete financial aid applications, we also see more students enrolling in postsecondary education. This is particularly important for the Inland Empire, where the community has established a vision of increasing equitable educational attainment to fuel local prosperity and regional economic success.”

    As the Cash4College (C4C) Regional Coordinating Organization for the Inland Empire, GIA supports hundreds of financial aid workshops annually, offers live support through free online office hours, and promotes awareness of financial assistance through communication outreach campaigns. A recent $234,840 award from the Educational Credit Management Corporation has enabled GIA to accelerate these efforts through August 31, 2024.

    “We’re currently hosting live office hours for support, running several digital campaigns, and publishing website resources in multiple languages to help inform Inland Empire students and families of financial aid opportunities,” said Jake Poore, GIA Director of Communications. “GIA recently launched IEsuccess.org, a website offering resources for college education exploration. This platform includes step-by-step guides for financial aid applications, a directory of Inland Empire colleges, and tips and tools for choosing and succeeding in college.”

    “When the community works together to provide the right resources and guidance for students, we can make a dramatic difference in their access to college,” Added Sakrekoff. “We are grateful for all our regional partners working collaboratively across sectors to support student success. Together, we can make a real difference for students like Yajahira in achieving their educational and career goals.”

    For more information about GIA, visit inlandempiregia.org
    For more information about Inland Empire college and financial aid resources, visit iesuccess.org

    About Growing Inland Achievement (GIA)
    Growing Inland Achievement is a regional K-16 collaborative organization focused on improving educational and economic outcomes in the Inland Empire. Through collaboration with various regional stakeholders, GIA aims to create a thriving community where all residents can access quality education and economic opportunities.