We define equity as fairness and justice for all in educational institutions across the IE and is achieved by eradicating systemic barriers while building resources and intentional strategies so that historically marginalized individuals can reach their full potential for educational success, career attainment, and community excellence. With this definition in mind, the Equity ANT meets the third Wednesday of each month to plan and carry out initiatives in the Inland Empire aimed to significantly increase degree and certificate completion by reaching equity in attainment for all ethnic and gender groups. In turn, our historically under-represented residents will have economic opportunities to prosper in this region and negotiate future economic changes. The Equity ANT has focused their efforts on three areas this past year: communications and outreach, development of an equity continuum tool, and efforts to diversify the teacher pipeline. For details on these efforts click the button below to learn more.

The College and Career Readiness ANT works to prepare students for college by collecting data on student segments and launching awareness campaigns, helping students access information and resources from college ambassadors, and providing supplemental education to reduce remediation at matriculation in subjects like math. To learn more about the work of this ANT click the button below.

The Financial Aid Action Network Team (also referred to as “FAANT”) convenes the first Wednesday of every month to create and carry-out strategies and tactics that help students equitably access available financial aid opportunities and resources, particularly for underserved groups, Black students, Hispanic students, Native American students, and students with disabilities. Ultimately, these efforts aim to help each student complete college without the burden of debt and become economically empowered to participate in a fulfilling life and build a career in the IE.

In the past year, the group has focused their efforts on three areas: FAFSA completion, equitable scholarship access, and financial literacy. To learn more about the work of this ANT click the button below.

The Advising & Transfer ANT aims to reduce the institutional barriers that impede equitable access to higher education and progression to a four-year college or university. This ANT targets advising and transfer challenges at high school and community college. These efforts are described below in more detail. The Advising & Transfer ANT meets the second Wednesday of each month to discuss projects related to these goals. To learn more about the work of this ANT click the button below.

The Returning Adult & Professional Education ANT recognizes the importance of bringing adult and professional learners back into postsecondary classrooms to learn new skills required to thrive in an ever-changing economy. This team works to support continuing adult learners, many whom have some college but no degree, who are seeking to advance in their current professions, start a new career, and work towards degree completion.