Growing Inland Achievement

Tag: Education Insight

  • Education Insight: The Community Program Supporting All High School Seniors in Grand Terrace

    Education Insight: The Community Program Supporting All High School Seniors in Grand Terrace

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 13.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we hear from Chastdei Kotsay and Christy Boal, an advisory board member and the founder of the Grand Terrace High School Senior Legacy Program. This unique program was created to support graduating seniors by funding key events and providing necessary resources, ensuring that all students, regardless of financial challenges, can celebrate their senior year.

    Chastdei and Christy share the inspiring story behind the program’s creation, its community support, and its impact on students. From scholarships to prom tickets and grad night, the program has made unforgettable moments possible for many. The duo also discusses some of the most memorable projects, including helping a student living in his car, and how these efforts provide hope and joy to students, showing them that their community cares.

    Join us as we explore how the Grand Terrace Senior Legacy Program has changed lives, and hear about the possibility of expanding this model to other communities in the future. This episode is a testament to the power of community support and the importance of celebrating the milestones in a young person’s life.

    Featured Guest

    Chastdei Kotsay
    Advisory Board Member, Grand Terrace High School Senior Legacy Program
    Christy Boal
    Founder, Grand Terrace High School Senior Legacy Program

    Interview Highlights

    3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

    7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

    8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

    9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

    13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

    20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

    21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

    23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

    25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

    32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

    36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.

  • Education Insight: Corona Instructor Named California’s Teacher of the Year

    Education Insight: Corona Instructor Named California’s Teacher of the Year

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 12.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we celebrate the exceptional gradeschool teachers who go above and beyond to inspire their students. With over 300,000 teachers in California alone, we highlight two educators who have earned the highest honors for their dedication and impact.

    Bob Mauger, a Career and Technical Education teacher at Corona High School, was recently recognized as the best teacher in California. In this episode, Mr. Mauger shares his journey from being a “room-dad” to becoming an award-winning teacher, making a difference not only through his teaching of auto repair but by shaping students into well-rounded individuals.

    We also hear from Carla Hernandez, a sixth-grade math teacher at Golden Valley Middle School, who was named one of San Bernardino County’s top teachers. Ms. Hernandez shares her philosophy that teaching is a matter of life or death for students, emphasizing the importance of her role in their future success.

    Join us as we honor these incredible educators and hear their stories of how they inspire, motivate, and change the lives of their students.

    Featured Guest

    Bob Mauger
    Automotive Technology teacher, Corona High School

    Growing up, the prospect of becoming a teacher never entered my thoughts. Despite the influence of exceptional educators who made a profound impact on me, teaching wasn’t part of my initial plan. It wasn’t until volunteering at my daughter’s elementary school, after years of exploring different career avenues, that I stumbled upon my true calling. Working with students, especially in Special Education, sparked a passion within me. Seeing them experience those “Ah-ha” moments, where everything clicks, brought me tremendous fulfillment.    

    While pursuing an online degree in Social and Criminal Justice, with hopes of becoming a Juvenile Probation Officer, I found myself increasingly drawn to Child Development. This shift deepened my understanding of how children learn and process information. In 2010, I seized the opportunity to become a Paraeducator in an Intensive Intervention program for emotionally disturbed students. Here, I gained invaluable insights into supporting diverse needs. After several years in this role and completing my BA, I decided to pursue a career in teaching.    

    My lifelong passion for hands-on work and mechanical repair passed down from my father, led me to the automotive industry. Building on this background, I obtained a CTE credential in Transportation. Over the past eight years, I’ve transformed a struggling automotive program into a highly respected pathway for students entering the automotive industry. Through vehicle restoration projects and community engagement, I’ve earned national recognition for both my program and my students. In 2021, I was chosen to be the B’laster Corporation Instructor of the Year, a nationwide competition for all hands-on trade programs for secondary and post-secondary education put on through Tomorrow’s Technician magazine and Babcox Media.  In 2023, a vehicle restoration project we completed for a family who lost their father brought us nationwide recognition on televised News programs, People Magazine, The Washington Post, and live interviews on News Max and The Jelly Clarkson Show.  

    Witnessing the growth of my program and enthusiasm of my students continually reinforces my dedication to teaching. Their willingness to go above and beyond for the program and their drive to give back to the community has made my program as successful as it is today.  My greatest accomplishments in education are my students. 

    Interview Highlights

    3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

    7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

    8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

    9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

    13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

    20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

    21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

    23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

    25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

    32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

    36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.

  • Education Insight: The California Indian Nations College in Riverside County – Building the Future of Native Education in California

    Education Insight: The California Indian Nations College in Riverside County – Building the Future of Native Education in California

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 12.

    In the latest episode of Education Insight, we take a closer look at the transformative journey of the California Indian Nations College and its pivotal role in advancing Native education. President Celeste Townsend shares the vision behind the college’s founding and its mission to integrate Indigenous knowledge, history, and values into its academic offerings while balancing mainstream academic standards. The discussion covers the unique challenge of teaching a curriculum that respects the diversity of regional tribes, fostering cultural pride and identity, and preparing students for success in a global workforce.

    Listeners will also gain insights into how the college supports students’ mental health, considering the historical trauma faced by many Native communities. The episode highlights strategies for community engagement, partnerships with tribal governments, educational institutions, and private sectors, and the preservation of traditional languages and practices. President Townsend outlines her long-term vision for the college’s growth and how it aims to contribute to the broader movement for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Tune in to hear more about these impactful initiatives and the college’s commitment to empowering Native students.

     

    Featured Guest

    Celeste R. Townsend
    President & CEO, California Indian Nations College in Riverside County

    Celeste Townsend is an enrolled citizen of the Guidutikad Numu Fort Bidwell Indian Community (northern California), and a descendent of the Shoshone-Paiute tribe, Duck Valley Indian Reservation (Owyhee, Nevada). With over 30 years’ experience in Indian education, she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Redlands (California). Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate from the University California, San Diego, aiming to graduate in 2025.

    In 2015, Townsend was invited to participate in roundtable discussions on American Indian education, which channeled the creation of California Indian Nations College (CINC). Fall 2017, Founder Theresa Mike and Townsend presented a drafted charter to the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Missions Indians. September 19, 2017, the charter was signed, marking the official induction of CINC. With a successful launch, Townsend was appointed as the inaugural President and continues to champion personalized services, supporting all students to become educated, strengthened, and empowered leaders.

    Interview Highlights

    3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

    7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

    8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

    9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

    13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

    20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

    21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

    23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

    25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

    32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

    36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.

  • Education Insight: How Education Impacts Inland Empire Economics and Vice Versa

    Education Insight: How Education Impacts Inland Empire Economics and Vice Versa

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 11.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we’re joined by Dr. Timothy Nadreau, Professor of Economics at Washington State University and founder of Recon Insight Group, to discuss the critical role education plays in shaping the economic development of local communities, particularly in the Inland Empire. Dr. Nadreau provides in-depth insights on how education drives job creation, industry growth, and regional development, while also addressing the significant economic barriers that prevent access to quality education for many in our region.

    We’ll explore the long-term economic benefits that communities can experience when they invest in local education and how institutions can adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of the workforce. Dr. Nadreau also shares case studies of communities where innovative educational programs have led to significant economic transformation, offering valuable lessons for underserved areas like San Bernardino and Riverside.

    Join us for this insightful conversation on how strengthening the connection between education and economic growth can positively impact the future of the Inland Empire.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. Timothy Nadreau
    Principal Investigator, Recon Insight Group

    During the academic year Dr. Nadreau serves as an Assistant Professor at University of Idaho and an Adjunct Professor at Washington State University’s IMPACT Center. He is the managing editor of Washington Agribusiness: Status and Outlook where he co-authors the “Macroeconomic Outlook.” He has been an instructor and curriculum designer in NYU’s School of Professional Sciences and led a team of consultants at Economic Modeling Specialists Int. (now Lightcast) where he conducted impact and investment analysis, provided expert witness testimony, and established quality control metrics for the company. Prior to joining Emsi, Dr. Nadreau received a bachelor’s degree in theoretical mathematics from the University of Idaho as well as a master’s degree in agricultural and applied economics when he was awarded the Iddings fellowship for his work on optimal public investments. He defended his Ph.D. in the fall of 2018 focusing on economic development strategies and improved impact and general equilibrium analyses. Currently Dr. Nadreau consults on a range of regional economic development initiatives. He has completed studies on everything from Native American wines, to electricity transmission infrastructure, to housing affordability studies. Human capital development remains his primary research focus.

    Interview Highlights

    3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

    7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

    8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

    9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

    13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

    20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

    21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

    23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

    25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

    32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

    36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.

  • Education Insight: The KITS Program – Building Brainpower in Infants and Toddlers

    Education Insight: The KITS Program – Building Brainpower in Infants and Toddlers

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 10.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we explore the impactful work of the Karnig Infant Toddler Success (KITS) program, which is making a significant difference for families in the Inland Empire. Erin Brinker, Vice President of Development for the Making Hope Happen Foundation, and Emily Saunders, Program Coordinator of the KITS program, join us to discuss how this unique initiative helps parents make decisions that optimize their child’s chances for success. They delve into how the KITS program differs from other parenting programs, the challenges they’ve faced in running such a vital program, and the long-term effects on children’s brain development and family dynamics.

    We also cover essential topics like the common parenting habits the KITS team helps families unlearn and how the program is providing resources that ensure healthy child development. Tune in to discover how the KITS program is shaping the future of early childhood education and supporting families in our region!

    Featured Guest

    Erin Brinker
    Vice President of Development, Making Hope Happen Foundation

    Erin Brinker is a seasoned voice in Inland Southern California’s broadcasting scene, with 15 years of experience hosting shows on the NBC Radio News affiliate KCAA and currently on KQLH, 92.5 and X95.7 in the Inland Empire. Beyond the airwaves, Erin has dedicated her career to nonprofit leadership and development. As Vice President of Development at the Making Hope Happen Foundation (MHHF) in San Bernardino, CA, she plays a pivotal role in driving positive change in the community she serves. Erin’s deep commitment to uplifting others shines through in every aspect of her work. She holds a BA in Political Science from CSU San Bernardino, an MBA from the University of Redlands, and a certificate in Trauma and Resilience from Florida State University. She is married with two grown children and has hosted 11 exchange students from 8 countries on five continents. 

    Emily Saunders

    Program Coordinator, Karnig Infant Toddler Success Program (KITS)

    Dedicated and focused individual with a passion for giving back.

    Interview Highlights

    3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

    7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

    8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

    9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

    13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

    20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

    21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

    23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

    25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

    32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

    36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

    View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

    Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.