GIA Education Report: 10/1/24

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

Colleges across the U.S. are seeing a growing disparity in enrollment, with women now making up two-thirds of college students. Men are enrolling at historically low rates and have a higher dropout rate than women. Many organizations are implementing targeted programs to engage male students and especially male students of color. Despite these efforts, the gender gap continues to widen, with research suggesting the issue may begin as early as high school, where girls graduate at higher rates than boys.  

Ernie Rios from OneFuture Coachella Valley, is a guest this week on Education Insight, we spoke to him to help us understand this issue. 

Ernie Rios: “Every year we hear from our young men who share that while their school’s k-12 education system, were supportive of them in  helping them navigate the college process as they transition into secondary they feel like they could have used additional resources to be prepared for the courses they were taking or are taking in postsecondary education so I think its a combination of the cost of a postsecondary education, cost of students being able to pursue a postsecondary education and contribute to their households and being prepared, making sure that they have the resources they need to be successful.”

College of the Desert (COD) has announced the groundbreaking dates for two major projects in the Coachella Valley. The West Valley Campus in Palm Springs and Roadrunner Motors in Cathedral City will expand educational opportunities in the region. Groundbreaking for the Roadrunner Motors automotive technology training center will take place on October 16, 2024, after delays due to the pandemic. The $50 million center, located near the Cathedral City Auto Plaza, is expected to open in early 2026, offering advanced training for the automotive industry.  

The U.S. Department of Education has announced nearly $50 million in grants to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to enhance educational opportunities for Hispanic and Latino students. The funding supports various initiatives, including expanding graduate programs, increasing STEM workforce participation, and strengthening teacher preparation in underserved schools. Several Inland Empire colleges have received grant awards from the U.S. Department of Education to support Hispanic and Latino students. These institutions include: 

1. California State University, San Bernardino – $582,077 (PPOHA) 
2. La Sierra University – $1,499,717 (PPOHA, cooperative grant) 
3. Riverside Community College District/Norco College – $599,656 (DHSI) 
4. University Enterprises Corporation at CSUSB – $598,068 (DHSI) 

UC Riverside Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox will retire in the summer of 2025 after serving nearly 12 years in the role. Under his leadership, the university experienced significant growth in enrollment, academic achievement, and research output. UCR also became recognized as a national leader in social mobility and student success, while expanding its contributions to regional healthcare through the development of a medical school. Wilcox’s tenure has been marked by UCR’s advancement into the upper ranks of research institutions and its ongoing commitment to inclusive excellence.  

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