The Inland Empire
A Region of Consequence
Spanning 28,000 square miles with over 4.7 million residents, the Inland Empire is larger than West Virginia in size and more populous than 25 U.S. states. Once rooted in agriculture, the region has evolved into a dynamic economic hub, fueled by a diverse population, strong educational institutions, expanding public-private partnerships, and growing investment interest. Yet, the Inland Empire faces significant challenges: only 53% of high school graduates enroll in a postsecondary institution, fewer adults hold bachelor’s degrees compared to state and national averages, and economic mobility remains limited.
These challenges are not just local concerns—they have broader implications for California and beyond. The Inland Empire reflects the state and nation’s demographic future, making it a proving ground for policies and strategies that could be replicated at scale. Transforming conditions here would not only improve regional economic vitality but also create a model for addressing educational and workforce disparities nationwide. The stakes are high, and the urgency to act is clear: the Inland Empire’s success is tied to the future competitiveness of the state and the nation.
Recent News & Announcements
NCRF & GIA Presents College Expo in the IE
Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) has partnered with the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) to host the first NCRF College Expo in the Inland Empire. This event...
The GIA Education Report Recognized as Podcast of the Year
Inland Empire podcast, The GIA Education Report, was recently announced as the winner of a Best of the West Media Award in the category of Blog/Podcast of the Year. The Best...
Education Insight: The KITS Program – Building Brainpower in Infants and Toddlers
About This Episode Season 4. Episode 10.In this episode of Education Insight, we explore the impactful work of the Karnig Infant Toddler Success (KITS) program, which is...
Education Insight: UCR – Transforming Inmate Rehabilitation with In-Person Degrees
About This Episode Season 4. Episode 9.In this episode of Education Insight, we dive into a powerful initiative that aims to reduce recidivism by making inmates truly...
Education Insight: Bringing Unity to Schools as an Old Program Finds New Success
About This Episode Season 4. Episode 8.In this episode of Education Insight, host Lacey Kendall takes a closer look at the rising tensions in school board meetings and how a...
Toward a Shared Vision 2024 Summit Highlights
We’re excited to share some key moments and highlights from GIA’s 2024 Toward a Shared Vision Summit, where local, state, and national leaders convened to advance equitable...
Annual Education Summit Brings Inland Empire Leaders Together for Collective Action
INLAND EMPIRE, CA – Growing Inland Achievement (GIA), a nonprofit dedicated to improving educational and economic success in the Inland Empire, is gearing up for its 7th...
Education Insight: Tackling the Male Enrollment Crisis – The Gents Alliance Program
About This Episode Season 4. Episode 7.In this episode of Education Insight, we feature Ernie Rios, Vice President of College Success at One Future Coachella Valley and...
Education Insight: The PTA’s Journey from Tradition to Modern Advocacy
About This Episode Season 4. Episode 6.-In this episode of Education Insight, we take a deep dive into the 125-year legacy of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and its...
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