The Inland Empire
A Region of Consequence
Spanning 28,000 square miles with over 4.7 million residents, the Inland Empire is larger than West Virginia in size and more populous than 25 U.S. states. Once rooted in agriculture, the region has evolved into a dynamic economic hub, fueled by a diverse population, strong educational institutions, expanding public-private partnerships, and growing investment interest. Yet, the Inland Empire faces significant challenges: only 53% of high school graduates enroll in a postsecondary institution, fewer adults hold bachelor’s degrees compared to state and national averages, and economic mobility remains limited.
These challenges are not just local concerns—they have broader implications for California and beyond. The Inland Empire reflects the state and nation’s demographic future, making it a proving ground for policies and strategies that could be replicated at scale. Transforming conditions here would not only improve regional economic vitality but also create a model for addressing educational and workforce disparities nationwide. The stakes are high, and the urgency to act is clear: the Inland Empire’s success is tied to the future competitiveness of the state and the nation.
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our challenge & opportunity
The Inland Empire Region
Challenge: The Inland Empire is one of the most populous regions in California, with 4.5 million people, yet its students are less likely to earn college degrees than the average Californian. According to recent data from College Futures Foundation, for every 1,000 high school freshmen in the Inland Empire, only 151 will complete a BA degree. According to Data USA, the result of this is a regional poverty rate of 17.5%, and median household income of $56,087.
Opportunity: The projected workforce demand for Inland students with baccalaureate degrees will outweigh our labor supply by almost 2.3x in the next few years. Increasing the number of students with baccalaureate degrees is the solution. Increased degree attainment will benefit our students and regional businesses by filling the gap in projected bi-county workforce demand while increasing average household income.
The IE (4,622,361) represents 11.6% of the State’s population.
The IE is the nation’s 13th largest metropolitan area. If the IE were a state it would rank 25th in terms of population, just above Kentucky, and rank 40th in terms of area.
SB County alone is the largest county in the contiguous US, and is larger than New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware and Rhode Island combined.
The IE produces 12% of California’s college-ready high school graduates…
BUT only 6% of the state’s BA degrees.
And even though the IE is 51% Hispanic, only 10% have a college degree. Both individuals and the labor market need more students earning postsecondary degrees and credentials to maintain regional economic success.
In 2030, California is projected to face a labor market gap of nearly 1.8 million jobs.
Over 1/3 of the 2030 labor market gap is expected to be in three regions, Los Angeles (425k gap), Inland Empire (141k gap) and Central Valley (74k gap).
In the Inland Empire, 43% of the projected unfilled jobs will require a bachelor’s degree.
We recognize that the best way to close the labor market gap is by increasing the number of bachelor degree conferrals in the region. We also recognize that the most effective way to spur economic success in this way is by partnering with a network of regional and national leaders across sectors and industries to jointly work on solutions.
GIA acts as a connector, researcher, and facilitator to support a network of individuals and organizations who are driving educational success for Inland students. Some examples of GIA’s efforts to drive regional transformation can be seen in regional Action Network Teams, and the K-16 Regional Education Collaborative.
REGIONAL PILLARS OF SUCCESS
Increase educational attainment, with specific emphasis on accelerating success for historically marginalized student groups.
Foster an efficient, high-quality education system that creates equitable access for all students.
Build equitable structures in education to eradicate systemic racism.
Fuel a robust future economy that increases equitable career opportunities and employment.
Eliminate the chasms in wealth, income, and poverty rate which disproportionately affect people of color.