GIA Education Report: 8/13/24

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

The Office of Federal Student Aid announced that the 2025-26 FAFSA will be fully functional and available on December 1, 2024. Although the release date is later than usual, testing will begin in October to ensure reliability, with early submissions during this phase not requiring resubmission. This delay aims to provide a smooth experience for students, ensuring timely financial aid processing and helping them stay on track for college enrollment.  

As summer vacation ends, students in the Inland Empire are heading back to school. Fontana, San Bernardino City, Chino Valley, and Rialto Unified School Districts are welcoming students with exciting new programs. Chino Valley Unified is introducing an after-school teen activity center, while San Bernardino City Unified launches a late-start program and expands its after-school offerings. Fontana’s Southridge Tech Middle School is focusing on “connection for success” with a new dean of student support to enhance social-emotional care.  

In other news, The University of California, Riverside’s School of Education is launching a Middle School Initiative to boost college access for Inland Empire students by guiding them early on in their academic journey. Recognizing that middle school courses, like algebra, can determine future college admissions, UCR aims to involve students and families through essay contests, outreach at promotion ceremonies, and a STEAM summer camp on campus. The goal is to ensure students are on the right academic track before high school, increasing the chances they’ll graduate with the necessary A-G Requirements.  

Thirty Fontana Unified CTE students recently completed the Future Shapers Academy, a unique work-based learning experience part of the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Career Z Challenge. These students tackled design challenges and proposed ideas for revitalizing downtown Fontana, earning semi-finalist status in the national competition. As a reward, they will receive small scholarships from the competition’s prize money. 

The U.S. Department of Education announced it will email student loan borrowers about their forgiveness status, with an opt-out deadline of August 30. If finalized, the program could aid 25 million borrowers, including those with increased debt, long-term repayments, and eligibility issues. The initiative faces court challenges, but Secretary Miguel Cardona emphasizes it aims to relieve those burdened by student loan interest and low-value college programs.  

The California Community Colleges and the California Department of Education have released a new report highlighting effective practices to better serve adult students and close equity gaps. The California Adult Education Program (CAEP), the largest in the nation, serves over 481,000 students. The study, involving 12 standout sites, reveals that targeted practices can significantly boost student success and employment outcomes, particularly for students of color. These findings align with the Vision 2030 framework, emphasizing equity in access, success, and support for adult learners. 

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