GIA Education Report: 12/5/24

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

The Redlands Educational Partnership (REP) has awarded $71,500 in grants to support Redlands Unified School District teachers and principals for the 2024-2025 school year. Since 2020, REP’s non-competitive “Grants for Teachers” and “Grants for Principals” programs have provided educators with up to $500 to enhance classroom resources and student learning experiences. This year, funds have been used for projects like establishing a science lab, replacing outdated equipment, and expanding field trip opportunities. The program, funded through community donations and employee payroll contributions, highlights REP’s commitment to empowering educators and enriching student education. 

In other news, California is making strides to diversify the construction trades with initiatives like the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship Grant (ERICA), which provides child care subsidies to women, non-binary individuals, and underserved communities pursuing apprenticeships. Participants in programs like Ironworkers Local 433 and Cerritos College can receive up to $10,000 annually for child care. This effort is part of a broader goal to enroll 500,000 Californians in apprenticeship programs by 2029, creating pathways to skilled trades and higher wages. 

California Baptist University’s biomedical engineering students earned second place at the Heart Hackathon in Japan for their innovative artificial heart prototype. Competing internationally as the only U.S. team, the undergraduates designed and 3D-printed a functional heart model that mimics human flow rates. The project, part of a year-long global competition, connected students with industry experts and showcased cutting-edge design, research, and business planning, highlighting the university’s focus on real-world applications of engineering skills. 

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools recently celebrated high school seniors on track to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy, marking proficiency in English and at least one other language. This year, 2,946 students in the county met the rigorous criteria set by the California Department of Education, a significant increase from 2023. The recognition highlights 16 diverse languages, including Spanish, French, Hebrew, and Vietnamese, underscoring the value of multilingualism in education and future opportunities. 

The Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Month event on December 3, 2024, celebrated seniors from 21 desert-area high schools for their resilience, character, and academic excellence. Hosted by the Riverside County Office of Education, this series highlights students from Coachella Valley, Desert Sands, and Palm Springs Unified School Districts, along with county office programs. Honorees are recognized for their leadership, community involvement, and determination. These events, supported by community sponsors, culminate in a Student of the Year scholarship competition in May 2025.  

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