Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), in partnership with the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, convened the first Business Education Network (BEN) Senior Advisory Council on February 25 at Ontario International Airport. The session was facilitated by the Business-Higher Education Forum.

The council brings together leaders from business, K–12, higher education, and workforce systems to better align employer demand with education pathways across the Inland Empire.

Discussion centered on priority focus areas including career-connected learning, internships and work-based learning, and employer-informed degrees and credentials responsive to an evolving workforce.

As the region works toward increasing postsecondary attainment and economic mobility, BEN represents an important step in strengthening coordination between education and industry. The Senior Advisory Council will continue meeting to advance early, high-impact initiatives that support a stronger, more connected regional talent pipeline.

View photos from the convening.