Growing Inland Achievement

Tag: episode 16

  • Education Insight: From Spelling Bees to College Degrees: Stories of Young Achievers

    Education Insight: From Spelling Bees to College Degrees: Stories of Young Achievers

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 16.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we spotlight two incredible young girls who are making their mark in education. Alisa Perales, at just 10 years old, has already earned two associate degrees in mathematics and science from Crafton Hills College, and is on a path to change the future for herself and others. Alongside her, we introduce Victoria Li, a 6th grader from Riverside County who recently won the 47th Annual Riverside County Spelling Bee and is headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Maryland this May. These two young scholars exemplify the power of perseverance, support, and the importance of education.

    While we celebrate their achievements, it’s essential to acknowledge the broader picture: worldwide, 122 million girls are still not in school, primarily due to challenges like poverty, conflict, and restrictive cultural norms. This episode serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the work still needed to ensure every girl around the world has access to the education she deserves.

    Join us as we hear from Alisa and Victoria about their journeys, the obstacles they’ve overcome, and the aspirations they have for the future. This conversation underscores the importance of nurturing and empowering young girls to thrive academically, no matter the odds.

    Featured Guest

    Victoria Li
    6th grader at the Philistine Rondo School of Discovery in Riverside County, and the Champion of the 47th Annual Riverside County Spelling Bee
    Jacqui Dobens is the founder and head cheerleader of Much More Than Mentorship. Living up to its name, they have a robust staff of presenters and mentors spanning various industries and interests. A few of the presenters on the roster include a newly retired math professor (city and state), LMFT, forensic scientist, and even an improv instructor. Their programs are tailor-made using their mainstay of modules as a launching pad for customization. Programs include etiquette, communication, critical thinking, empathy, and much more.
    Dobens has taken her years of experience in marketing, networking, generating revenue, and holding leadership positions in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors to toggle seamlessly in this project. Her networking skills are at the forefront by way of collaboration with various entities to make this project a success.
    Her ability to adapt and pivot enabled her to recognize the benefits of The Amazing Shake through her relationship with San Gorgonio Middle School and the Beaumont Unified School District. Being such an instrumental component of the national durable life skills competition of The Amazing Shake has proven to be life-changing. Not only for the students, but for Dobens herself. To date,  She has been asked to fulfill the role as a project manager to bring The Amazing Shake program to life for other schools in surrounding cities and districts. This opportunity will provide a tremendous positive impact to students and communities that will last for decades to come.
    When Dobens is not cooking up a new module or thinking up ways to implement creative and fun ways to bring durable life skills to life with the students, you can find her in the kitchen cooking up new and daring culinary concoctions and sharing them with family and friends.
    Alisa Perales
    10-year-old student at Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, California
    Jacqui Dobens is the founder and head cheerleader of Much More Than Mentorship. Living up to its name, they have a robust staff of presenters and mentors spanning various industries and interests. A few of the presenters on the roster include a newly retired math professor (city and state), LMFT, forensic scientist, and even an improv instructor. Their programs are tailor-made using their mainstay of modules as a launching pad for customization. Programs include etiquette, communication, critical thinking, empathy, and much more.
    Dobens has taken her years of experience in marketing, networking, generating revenue, and holding leadership positions in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors to toggle seamlessly in this project. Her networking skills are at the forefront by way of collaboration with various entities to make this project a success.
    Her ability to adapt and pivot enabled her to recognize the benefits of The Amazing Shake through her relationship with San Gorgonio Middle School and the Beaumont Unified School District. Being such an instrumental component of the national durable life skills competition of The Amazing Shake has proven to be life-changing. Not only for the students, but for Dobens herself. To date,  She has been asked to fulfill the role as a project manager to bring The Amazing Shake program to life for other schools in surrounding cities and districts. This opportunity will provide a tremendous positive impact to students and communities that will last for decades to come.
    When Dobens is not cooking up a new module or thinking up ways to implement creative and fun ways to bring durable life skills to life with the students, you can find her in the kitchen cooking up new and daring culinary concoctions and sharing them with family and friends.

    Watch the Episode

    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.