GIA Education Report: DEI Reporting Portal, Aid for Homeless Students, and Women in STEM

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

The U.S. Department of Education has launched an online portal for citizens to report diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in public schools. The move follows the administration’s two-week deadline for schools and universities to dismantle DEI programs or risk losing federal funding. The portal collects complaints related to alleged discrimination based on race or sex in K-12 schools. Meanwhile, legal challenges are mounting, with the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association filing a lawsuit, arguing the policy violates constitutional protections. The administration’s directive faces continued scrutiny as the deadline approaches.  

In other news, a new bill, SB 685, proposes a pilot program to provide additional financial aid for students who experienced homelessness in high school at three California State University campuses, including San José State. The program would cover remaining costs after financial aid for tuition, books, and living expenses, excluding federal student loans. Eligible students must be identified under the McKinney-Vento Act and maintain full-time enrollment. If approved, the initiative would begin in the 2026-27 school year and run through 2031, aiming to improve college access for homeless youth.  

Cal State San Bernardino has received a $2.7 million federal grant to establish the Creating Inclusive Pathways to Allied Health Professions (CIPAHP) program. The initiative aims to increase Hispanic and underrepresented student enrollment in graduate allied health programs, addressing a regional shortage of healthcare providers. The funding supports the development of new degrees, including speech-language pathology, physician assistant, nursing practice, and public health. The program will also offer a Healthcare Spanish certificate and create academic and financial support systems to improve student retention and career readiness in the Inland Empire’s healthcare sector. 

Mission Elementary School in Redlands received a $5,000 donation from Burlington Stores in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org during the ribbon cutting ceremony for Burlington’s new Citrus Plaza location on Feb. 21. The funds will support teachers by providing essential classroom supplies, including STEAM and technology materials for hands-on learning. Mission Elementary educators will access the AdoptAClassroom.org marketplace to purchase supplies. The donation is part of Burlington’s initiative to support schools in communities where new stores open. 

Women in California continue to surpass men in college degree attainment, but they remain underrepresented in STEM fields. To close this report, we highlight four students at Crafton Hills College—Yakira Huff, Jazmyn Garcia, Katherine Granados, and Jo-Ann Lumintang. These women are challenging stereotypes by pursuing STEM degrees. Motivated by a passion for discovery and a desire to break barriers, they encourage other women to enter the field despite challenges. Their message: success in STEM is not limited by gender, and individuality can enhance, rather than hinder, contributions to science and technology. 

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