Growing Inland Achievement

Tag: season 4

  • Education Insight: Tackling the Male Enrollment Crisis – The Gents Alliance Program

    Education Insight: Tackling the Male Enrollment Crisis – The Gents Alliance Program

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 7.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we feature Ernie Rios, Vice President of College Success at One Future Coachella Valley and administrator of The Gents’ Alliance program, an initiative focused on supporting male scholars in the region.

    With male college enrollment at historic lows and men being 7% more likely to drop out than women, Ernie sheds light on the underlying factors driving this alarming trend. He shares how The Gents’ Alliance is addressing these challenges by offering tailored support for young men in the Coachella Valley. Ernie also explores potential solutions and strategies for reversing the decline in male enrollment and success in higher education. Join us for this important conversation on closing the gender gap in college participation and ensuring educational equity for all students.

    Featured Guest

    Ernie Rios

    Vice President, College Success at OneFuture Coachella Valley 

    Ernie Rios serves as the Vice President of College Success at One Future Coachella Valley. He is a graduate of Coachella Valley High School and College of the Desert. He transferred to the University of California at Los Angeles for his undergraduate degrees and earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the Richard J. Heckmann International Center for Entrepreneurial Management at the University of California at Riverside, Palm Desert Campus.

    After graduate school, he joined the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership and co-found the Pathways to Success Scholarship and Leadership program, which has awarded more than $17 million in scholarships and helped Coachella Valley students apply for more than $100 million in state and federal financial aid. He is grateful to work with local leaders to develop education and employment opportunities for students in the region.

    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 PTA’s Journey from Tradition to Modern Advocacy

    Education Insight: The PTA’s Journey from Tradition to Modern Advocacy

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 6.

    -In this episode of Education Insight, we take a deep dive into the 125-year legacy of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and its evolving role in education. For over a century, the PTA has worked to build strong family engagement in schools, advocate for policies that support student well-being, and ensure equitable access to quality education.

    In the Inland Empire, the PTA is still actively involved in traditional activities like in-person and Zoom meetings, and yes, even cake walks. But today’s PTA is also fighting for critical issues like improved funding for schools and the implementation of mental health programs for students.

    We are joined by Becca Marks-Anderson, Executive Vice President of the Twenty-Third District PTA, who shares insights into the PTA’s ongoing work in the region and the challenges they’re addressing to support students, teachers, and families.

    Featured Guest

    Becca Marks-Anderson

    Parliamentarian, California State PTA and Executive Vice President, Twenty-Third District PTA

    Becca Marks-Anderson is the current parliamentarian for the California State PTA and the current Executive Vice President for the Twenty-Third District PTA. Her past service includes service as a Leadership Services Commissioner for California State PTA, District President and Vice President of Leadership Services for Twenty-Third District PTA, and Temecula Valley Council of PTAs President and Parliamentarian, among other roles. After serving more than 15 years in the nonprofit compliance space professionally, much of that time has been spent in roles that align and work closely with education. Becca finds that knowing and understanding governance helps us break down barriers for family members by drawing them in from where they are and giving them the tools to cleanly, clearly, transparently, and purposefully serve our students in the ways students need to be successful. 

    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: California’s Push for Phone-Free Classrooms

    Education Insight: California’s Push for Phone-Free Classrooms

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 5.

    In this episode of Education Insight, we dive into the implications of Assembly Bill 3216, also known as the Phone-Free Schools Act, which was recently passed by the California state legislature. This new bill would require school districts to implement policies limiting or banning cellphone use during school hours by July 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been a strong advocate for reducing smartphone distractions in the classroom, is expected to sign the bill, making California the fifth state to impose such a restriction.

    To explore how this legislation might affect schools in the Inland Empire, we sat down with Tobin Brinker, President of the Rialto Education Association, and Michael Montano, Vice President of the Association. Both educators bring decades of experience in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms and share their perspectives on the potential benefits and challenges of limiting cellphone use in schools.

    In this insightful conversation, we discuss how the new bill could reshape student engagement, reduce distractions, and foster a more focused learning environment across California classrooms. Tune in to learn more about the future of education and technology in our schools.

    Featured Guest

    Tobin Brinker

    President, Rialto Education Association and Frisbie Middle School Teacher

    A seasoned history teacher with a decade of experience in local elected office. Brinker brings a unique perspective, blending historical insight with practical political experience, offering a nuanced understanding of America’s founding principles and their lasting impact.

    Michael Montano

    Vice President, Rialto Education Association and Rialto High School Teacher

    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: Reviving Local Journalism in the Inland Empire: A Community Effort

    Education Insight: Reviving Local Journalism in the Inland Empire: A Community Effort

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 5.

    As local newspapers and radio news reports continue to disappear across the U.S., many communities are finding themselves without access to crucial local information. This has led to what experts call “news deserts,” where citizens lack reliable access to local news. Some point to the Inland Empire as one of these growing news deserts.

    In our latest episode of Education Insight, we explore what it means to live in a news desert and why it matters for communities. Without local news, residents can become disconnected from their own communities, unaware of local propositions or the actions of elected officials. But there is hope on the horizon.

    We sat down with Dr. Thomas Corrigan, a professor of communication at Cal State San Bernardino and coordinator of the university’s Local Journalism Partnerships Initiative, to discuss the growing effort to bring back local journalism in the region and why it’s crucial for the future of community engagement. Tune in to hear Dr. Corrigan’s thoughts on the future of local news and the steps being taken to address the growing news desert in the Inland Empire.

    Featured Guest

    Dr. Thomas Corrigan

    Professor of Communication and Media Studies, California State University, San Bernardino

    Dr. Thomas F. Corrigan (or T.C.) is a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). He teaches courses in Digital Media and Society, the Political Economy of Communication, and the Inland Empire News Ecosystem. His scholarship, which is published in academic and popular outlets, focuses on the nature and problems associated with commercial media systems. His recent research and writing examine what he calls the Inland Empire “news mirage” – a dynamic wherein I.E. communities seem to have more substantive, local news sources than they actually do. He also leads a CSUSB team that is working to build a local media coalition to support civic and community journalism in the region.

    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: Navigating the National Financial Aid Crisis

    Education Insight: Navigating the National Financial Aid Crisis

    About This Episode

    Season 4. Episode 2.

    Step into the latest episode of Education Insight with your host, Lacey Kendall, as we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the nationwide tumult surrounding financial aid applications. Initially conceived as a streamlined process to facilitate easier access to educational funding, the federal system now finds itself entangled in a series of issues causing significant delays for FAFSA, CADAA, and Pell Grant applicants across the nation.

    In this episode, we untangle the complexities of this unexpected federal mess, unraveling the root causes and examining the ripple effects on students, administrators, and dedicated financial aid professionals. From the initial plans to the current challenges, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape and the vital information you need to navigate through these turbulent times.

    Our esteemed guest, Marlene Garcia, the Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission, joins us to share her expertise and insights. Learn how California is spearheading efforts to assist students in overcoming these challenges and securing their student aid in time for the upcoming academic term.

    Tune in for an in-depth discussion that goes beyond the headlines, offering a nuanced perspective on the current state of financial aid and the ongoing strategies being implemented to ensure that students can access the support they need for their educational journey. Don’t miss this vital installment of Education Insight, where knowledge meets action in the realm of higher education finance

    Featured Guest

    Marlene Garcia

    Executive Director, California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)

    Marlene Garcia is the Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission where she oversees a budget of $3.2 billion and a team of 125. She is passionate about expanding educational opportunities by removing financial barriers to college success.

    Ms. Garcia brings 30 years experience working on education policy issues for a variety of government and higher education institutions. She served more than six years as a national leader in Apple Inc.’s Education Strategic Initiatives Group. Additionally, in her distinguished career, she has served as Vice Chancellor of Government Relations for the California Community College System, Deputy State Policy Director for the California State University System, and as a Senior Policy Consultant in the Senate Education Committee. She also served as a Senior Higher Education Advisor to former Assembly Speaker Willie L. Brown, Jr.

    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.