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.