Growing Inland Achievement

Tag: Episode 7

  • Education Insight:Bringing Dropout and Stopout Students Back to College

    Education Insight:Bringing Dropout and Stopout Students Back to College

    About This Episode

    Season 6. Episode 7.

    Colleges across the country are bracing for an enrollment cliff, as fewer students graduate from high school and continue on to higher education. But what about the millions of adults who never started college at all? In this episode of Education Insight, host Lacey Kendall talks with Sarah Ancel, Founder and CEO of Student-Ready Strategies, about how colleges and universities can better reach and support these adult learners—often overlooked in higher education’s recruitment and retention efforts. Sarah shares insights on why adult learners are critical to addressing the enrollment crisis, the barriers they face when considering higher education for the first time, and what institutions can do differently to welcome them into the fold.

    Then, we shift from college campuses to elementary school gates, where community spirit is alive and well. We visit San Bernardino’s famous Mom Mob, a joyful group of moms, teachers, and aunties who gather outside schools to cheer on students as they arrive for class. With high fives, pom-poms, and music, they remind every child that they are supported and valued by their entire community.

    🎶 “The Mom Mob Song” by Sandra Rodriguez (used with permission)

    Featured Guest

    Sarah Ancel
    Founding Partner and CEO, Student Ready Strategies

    Sarah Ancel founded Student-Ready Strategies to accelerate the nation’s progress toward a more equitable postsecondary system that serves all students. Sarah has a unique combination of local, state and national experience in higher education policy and practice and a proven record of successful student-focused reforms. She is a policy expert, a strategic and tactical implementer, and a keen analyst of data, environment, and opportunities. She is a leading national voice in serving non-traditional student populations more effectively. 

    Before forming Student-Ready Strategies, Sarah served as Senior Vice President for the national nonprofit Complete College America. Sarah grew and coordinated support for its 46-member Alliance of States and its network of CCA Fellows. She provided policy consultation, coordinated with funders, delivered in-state technical assistance, and developed and launched a strategy for returning adults. Before joining CCA, Sarah served as Associate Commissioner for Strategic Planning and Policy for the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. In that role, she was responsible for implementing the Commission’s strategic plan, including developing and advancing the Commission’s legislative priorities. She came to that role after spending nearly a decade contributing to the fiscal management and oversight of Indiana’s state and local governments.

    ​Sarah holds a master’s degree in economics from IUPUI and a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Indiana University Bloomington. She served as an adjunct professor for her alma mater for three years and currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the School of Liberal Arts.

    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.

  • Education Insight: Preparing Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow

    Education Insight: Preparing Students for the Workforce of Tomorrow

    About This Episode

    Season 5. Episode 7.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we are joined by Dr. Dale Marsden, the Founder & Chief Visionary of Tomorrow’s Talent, a transformative organization that partners with schools, businesses, and community groups to help students develop the skills needed for in-demand careers. Dr. Marsden, a former superintendent and prominent education consultant, discusses how Tomorrow’s Talent collaborates with employers in California to ensure students are equipped with the right skills. He also shares how schools and colleges can better align their programs with workforce needs and how his organization is empowering underrepresented communities to succeed in industries like healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

    The conversation delves into how evolving technologies and workforce trends, such as remote work, are shaping education and how students can be trained to thrive in these new environments. Dr. Marsden highlights the importance of adapting school curricula to stay ahead of emerging fields and meet the changing demands of the job market. Tune in to hear more about how Tomorrow’s Talent is preparing students for the future of work.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. Dale Marsden

    Founder and Chief Visionary, Tomorrow’s Talent

    Dr. Dale Marsden recently served as superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD), California’s 10th largest urban public school district, which serves a diverse student population of 73 percent Latino and 14 percent African-American, in an area with a 91 percent poverty rate. The District serves over 50,000 students, 8,000 staff in 76 schools across a 98-square-mile radius. During Dr. Marsden’s tenure, the SBCUSD team experienced a historic increase in graduation rates from 66.8% to 93.6% (surpassing county, state, and national graduation rates), doubled the number of students eligible to attend 4-year universities, and increased from 5 to 53 high-growth, high-demand pathway experiences, ensuring equity and access for all students to high-wage careers in local and world industries.

    Dr. Marsden is a veteran of the United States Air Force and has over 30 years of experience in public education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, San Bernardino in Liberal Studies with a minor in mathematics, a master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a doctorate of education in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Pepperdine University, where he was named the 2016 Superintendent of the Year. In 2018, he was named a National Leader to Learn From by Education Week. In 2023, Dr. Marsden was reappointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors for his 3rd term on the Workforce Development Board and continues to serve on the Youth Committee.

    Dr. Marsden currently supports a host of state-wide and regional education reform and work-based learning initiatives, and is founder/owner/Chief Visionary of Tomorrow’s Talent, LLC a company focused on bridging education systems to the real world of work: “Local Talent, Local Employers, Local Economy”. Tomorrow’s Talent was nominated for the Chase ‘Icon Award’ in 2024 and received the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award for a Service Based Business in 2024.

    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.

  • Education Insight: How Community-Based Organizations are Supporting Student Success

    Education Insight: How Community-Based Organizations are Supporting Student Success

    About This Episode

    Season 2. Episode 7.

    We’ve all heard the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”. Well, two Inland community-based programs heard that and said “I think that’s our cue”. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Inland Empire and Orange County and the Promise Scholars program are both finding success in helping kids do better in school and begin working for a successful education, career, and life. In this episode of Education Insight, we look at these two unique programs and why it has become so important to them to help kids do better in school and get excited about the future. 

    Featured Guests

    Jennifer O’Farrell

    Executive Director at Big Brother Big Sisters

    Jennifer is an inspirational and entrepreneur leader in the social impact industry. For over 15 years she has spearheaded new programs or agencies, dedicating her life to pursuing equity for youth and families.

    She proudly led the first Anti-Human Trafficking multidisciplinary task force for Riverside County and created the first comprehensive case management and advocacy system for victims and survivors of trafficking. Currently, she is the Executive Director of the region’s first Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Her focus is to create generational change by tackling some of the region’s hardest issues of poverty and trauma through one-to-one mentoring.

    Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California Baptist University, is a certified Sexual Assault Counselor and Advocate, Case Manager for Trafficking Victims, and has a Philanthropy Certificate from the School of Business at La Sierra University. As the Anti-Human Trafficking Director, she secured state and federal grants and increased individual giving revenue to the cause. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, she has doubled the agency’s revenue giving more youth access of a mentor.

     

    Locally, Jennifer served as founding member of The Pick Group, President of the YWCA, board member to the Riverside Community Health Foundation, Parkview Community Hospital Foundation, Riverside Public Utilities, and currently is a board member of San Bernardino City Unified School District’s Making Hope Happen Foundation, and CBU’s Advisory for the College of Behavioral Sciences.

     

    Her accomplishments include being a TedX Riverside Speaker, a 2010 graduate of Riverside Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class, 2012 Attorney General’s Award of Citizen Appreciation, 2013 Young Alumni Achievement Award from California Baptist University, 2013 Woman of the Year from the Riverside County Commission on Women, 2014 Soroptimist International Ruby Award recipient and Soroptomist International Golden West Region Award Winner, 2014 NAACP Community Service Freedom Award Recipient, 2014 HOPE Collaborative Advocate of the Year Award Recipient, and 2018 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awardee.

     

    Jennifer, as a wife, mom, and daughter loves to have fun. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, traveling, hiking, running, and reading.

    Dr. Felix Melendez

    Executive Director at Promise Scholars

    Promise Scholars, a Southern CA 501c3 serving students in the Ontario-Montclair School District

    Dr. Felix Melendez brings over three decades of experience to the Executive Director position. His career includes two years as principal at Serrano Middle School. Prior to serving in OMSD, Dr. Melendez was an English teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal in nearby Chino Valley and Corona-Norco School Districts.

    “Dr. Melendez understands the upbringing of many OMSD students, not only as a Latino but also as a first-generation college student,” said Albert Maldonado, President/Chair of the Promise Scholars 501c3. “His interests, the interests of the Promise Scholars Board, and the interests of OMSD as a whole are aligned quite well.”

    Dr. Melendez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He completed a Masters’s in Educational Administration at Azusa Pacific University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with an Emphasis on Teaching and Learning from APU as well.

    Dr. Melendez is the youngest of seven siblings, all of whom attended college and have 3 Associates degrees, 4 Bachelor’s degrees, and 3 Master’s degrees among them. The power of education was stressed by his parents and the hunger to learn was instilled in him at an early age. Countless teachers and coaches guided his educational journey but none had more impact than his parents, Marcos and Leila, who learned English while reading over their children’s shoulders and never threw out an “old book” because a new idea might be hiding in there.

    Interview Highlights

    2:20 – Jennifer shares what and who inspired the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.

    3:17 – Jennifer describes the types of mentor programs BBBS offers.

    4:42 – Jennifer explains why it is important to have mentorship at a young age.

    7:55 – Jennifer gives insight into what criteria are implemented when matching a child to a mentor.

    13:15 – Jennifer shares how mentorships ultimately affect a child’s accomplishments in school and in day-to-day life.

    18:46 – Jennifer gives advice to kids and families to ensure they are on track in their academics and success.

    22:49 – Felix gives insight into the work being done at Promise Scholars.

    25:13 – Felix describes the impact this program has had on the students.

    29:14 – Felix elaborates on why talking about college at a young age is so important.

    32:12 – Felix discusses how this program has helped increase college and career success.

    36:29 – Felix reflects on how they provide support to students where they’re actually transitioning into college.

    43:00 – Felix shares the future of Promise Scholars.

    45:21 – Special Feature: Juan Del Real

    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: Supporting Inland Empire Adult Learners

    Education Insight: Supporting Inland Empire Adult Learners

    About This Episode

    Season 1. Episode 7.

    Over 24-percent of Inland empire adults have gone to college and dropped/stopped out, sometimes shortly before graduation. In this episode we speak with two people in the Inland Empire leading the charge to get those adults with some college back to finish. And, we hear from a determined mother who shares her journey of returning to complete her education for a very special reason.

     

    Featured Guests

    Dr. Emma Diaz

    Director, California Adult Education Program, Inland Adult Education Consortium, San Bernardino Community College District

    Emma Diaz has more than 30 years of experience in the fields of healthcare and education. She is currently the Director for the Inland Adult Education Consortium at San Bernardino Valley College, where she manages the implementation of the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) legislation. As Director she has played a leadership role in creating and expanding educational programs across the region for underserved, often marginalized populations in adult education.

    Emma participates regularly on state level advisory groups, presents at regional, state and national conferences, and is an international lecturer. She strategically positioned the Inland Adult Education Consortium as the professional development center for the Inland Empire, partnering with both state and national organizations. Most recently hosting the 2nd Annual Google Summit for Adult Education.

    In addition to her current role as Consortium Director, she teaches for both credit and noncredit programs at multiple community colleges. She is currently a Board Member of the Association of Continuing and Community Education and is on the Basic Skills and Noncredit Committee for the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges. She earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, holds a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a bachelor’s in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge.

    Annette Webb, M.Ed.

    Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, University of California-Riverside

    Annette Webb, M.Ed., is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of California Riverside, University Extension. In her role, Annette upholds University Extension’s preeminent status in the professional, online, and continuing studies realm by evaluating and successfully responding to the educational needs of non-traditional learners, both domestic and international. She provides leadership in curricular and instructional areas, strategic planning, partnership engagement, student success, academic quality, and financial management.

    Annette is a product of the California Master Plan for Higher Education, beginning her educational journey at Crafton Hills Community College then transferring to California State University, San Bernardino to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She went on to complete a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on Higher Education Leadership and Policy from UC Riverside.

    She is a member of Growing Inland Achievement’s Returning Adult Action Network Team and she is the inaugural Co-Chair and Staff Representative for the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women at UCR. Annette is a proponent for life-long learning and is a higher education professional who represents excellence, accountability, integrity, and respect.

    Interview Highlights

    3:35 – Emma Diaz describes the California Adult Education Consortium and how it supports adult education in the Inland Region.

    13:29 – Emma shares some of the top reasons students drop out of college.

    18:45 – Emma explains how Inland Empire colleges and universities are doing at accommodating the education goals and learning styles of returning adult students.

    24:29 – Emma tells students where they should begin if they are interested in going back to school.

    27:48 – Annette describes what the UCR Extension program is and how it supports adult education.

    31:27 – Annette shares what degrees have been the most desirable among the returning adult learners.

    36:48– Annette explains how the process of previous college credits and courses works for students returning to school 10+ years later.

    39:22 – Annette gives listeners tips on how to deal with the fear and anxiety about going back to school.

    40:46 – Annette tells students where they should begin if they are interested in going back to school.

    42:31 – Special Guest Feature: The Success Story of Linda Awad

     

    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.