GIA Education Report: 7/17/24

Welcome to the GIA Education Report. With the latest in Southern California education news, I’m Alyssa Silva.  

In a push to improve the financial aid process, Republicans introduced a bill to ensure the timely release of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms this October. Last year’s delayed rollout in December caused significant issues, giving students and colleges little time to prepare. The bill aims to hold the Department accountable, ensuring students receive their financial aid offers on time. The Department of Education, under Secretary Miguel Cardona, promises the forms will be ready by October. 

In other news, Beaumont Unified School District has secured a $137,392  grant from the California Department of Education to boost mental health services for children with disabilities. Ebon Brown, Assistant Superintendent, says this will provide more therapy for students with Individual Education Plans. They’re also seeking an extra $365,300 to expand these services, allowing professionals to consult with families and bill Medi-Cal, reinvesting funds into the program. Seven new behavioral health therapists have been hired to offer therapy at secondary schools. The grant will also introduce a new referral process for elementary students, offering intake sessions and 12 mental health services directly through schools. This aims to ensure students are healthy and happy, supporting their academic success. 

For the fifth year in a row, UC Riverside has been named one of The Princeton Review’s “Best Value Colleges” for 2024. The Inland Empire’s largest university was one of 209 institutions to earn this honor out of 605 surveyed, based on return on investment, academics, affordability, and career outcomes. Notably, UC Riverside was the only college in the Inland region to make the list. 

Crafton Hills College is staging an abridged version of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” this July. The play features Crafton Hills College students and local high schoolers, directed by Professor Paul Jacques, aligning with Shakespeare’s vision of a young Hamlet. Performances are on July 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m. at the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors, available at craftonhills.edu/tickets or at the door. 

Eight San Bernardino County employees were honored as the top non-teaching staff for 2024. The “School Employees of the Year” were celebrated in June, with representatives from the San Bernardino County School Board and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. The inductees include Alexis McCall, Rita Fernandez-Loof, Chris Williford, Aries Lewis, Linda Amezcua, Ricky Alvarado, Melissa Howard, Irma Luna Alvarez, Isaiah Joiner, and Barbara McDonald. 

And that’s this week’s GIA Education Report, I’m Alyssa Silva.