The Board of Directors of Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) has formally adopted a Regional Call to Action committing to a bold regional goal: 70% of working-age adults (ages 25–64) in the Inland Empire will hold a postsecondary degree or credential of value by 2030.
The resolution reflects a shared regional vision to increase educational attainment and economic mobility through cross-sector collaboration. It aligns with California’s statewide postsecondary attainment goal, while also addressing the Inland Empire’s specific need for a more competitive, highly skilled workforce.
Currently, only 32% of working-age adults in the region have completed a postsecondary credential. Reaching 70% will require measurable progress across the cradle-to-career continuum—including early literacy, high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment and completion, and alignment of credentials with livable-wage employment sectors.
“This is our collective call to action,” the resolution states. “Achieving this goal is not about a single institution or sector. It requires regional commitment across education, business, government, and community organizations.”
The Regional Call to Action also highlights the economic implications of educational attainment. Research shows that each additional college graduate contributes nearly $100,000 in annual regional gross product and supports the creation of 4.8 local jobs. The resolution commits GIA to setting annual targets and supporting a shared measurement system to track progress over time.
The goal is part of GIA’s broader 2030 Strategic Plan. “This goal aligns with the state’s vision, but it is also uniquely ours,” said Dr. Ashish K. Vaidya, GIA President & CEO. “It reflects the urgency of this moment and our responsibility to work together across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties to expand educational success and economic mobility for Inland Empire residents.”
The resolution was formally adopted and signed by the full GIA Board of Directors:
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Dr. Ashish K. Vaidya, President & CEO, Growing Inland Achievement
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Ted Alejandre, County Superintendent of Schools, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
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Michelle Decker, President & CEO, Inland Empire Community Foundation
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Dr. Edwin Gomez, County Superintendent of Schools, Riverside County Office of Education
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Paul Granillo, President & CEO, Inland Empire Economic Partnership
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Dr. Wolde-Ab Isaac, Chancellor, Riverside Community College District
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Dr. Tomas D. Morales, President, California State University, San Bernardino
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Dr. Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor, San Bernardino Community College District
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Dr. Henry D. Shannon, Superintendent/President, Chaffey College
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Sheila Thornton, President & CEO, OneFuture Coachella Valley
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Dr. Kim A. Wilcox, Chancellor, University of California, Riverside
The full Call to Action document is available at: https://bit.ly/regionalcta
