About This Episode

Season 7. Episode 13.

For many students, the college application process can feel overwhelming, confusing, and out of reach—leading some to give up before they even begin. But what if students were told “you’re in” before ever submitting an application?

In this episode of Education Insight, we speak with Erika Bennett from the Riverside County Office of Education about the growing direct admission movement. Designed to simplify the path to college, this approach proactively offers students acceptance based on their academic record—eliminating many of the traditional barriers that have historically limited access.

Erika shares how direct admission is helping students, especially those who may not see themselves as “college material,” gain confidence and take the next step in their education. We also explore how this model supports first-generation families, responds to declining college enrollment, and is gaining traction in states across the country.

This conversation challenges long-held assumptions about college access and highlights a powerful shift in how institutions identify, reach, and support the next generation of students.

Featured Guest

Erika Bennett

Coordinator, Riverside County Office of Education-College and Career Readiness Team

Biography

Prior to joining the Riverside County Office of Education-College and Career Readiness Team as a Coordinator, Mrs. Erika Bennett spent 20+ years with Murrieta Valley USD in Murrieta, CA as a high school teacher, school counselor, district coordinator and assistant principal. Erika’s career experiences have provided her with a multitude of opportunities to guide and support students and families as a counselor, grow and develop teaching pedagogy and instructional strategies and continuously develop leadership skills! Although most of Mrs. Bennett’s career was spent at the high school level, as a coordinator of school counselors, Erika was able to widen her lens as an educator.  Coordinating middle and elementary school counselors, provided multiple opportunities to learn and grow from those currently in the field, develop a school counseling scope and sequence in addition to finding and creating counseling best practices all in the interest of doing what is best for children. 
 
Erika has a BA in History Social-Science from California State University, San Bernardino, MA in Education with the PPS Credential from Azusa Pacific University and holds a CA Clear Administrative Credential. 
 
As a history social-science teacher, Erika’s classroom was filled with opportunities for students to be engaged, challenged and learn history from multiple perspectives. As a colonial history fellow, mentor teacher and California League of High Schools conference presenter, Erika incorporated the professional development knowledge, skills and strategies to her classroom and those of her colleagues within her site and/or district. 
 
As a school counselor, Erika provided her students, families and staff with care, compassion, knowledge, guidance, support, continual communication and guiding students to reach their full potential and be prepared for their post-secondary path. During the 2015-2016 school year, Erika was awarded Counselor of the Year for Murrieta Valley Unified School District. 
 
As the coordinator of student support, Erika was responsible for the development and monitoring of a comprehensive guidance program for elementary and secondary counselors with a focus on college and career readiness. Providing students with a counseling scope and sequence that includes awareness, exploration and access is paramount for 21st century college and career learners. Leadership and implementation of programs such as: district sponsored PSAT, college field trips, social-emotional support, online career exploration, access to rigorous coursework and increased counselor interaction are just a few of the many philosophies, programs or strategies that have been implemented under Erika’s tenure to ensure student success. As an Assistant Principal at Murrieta Mesa High School during the pandemic and coordinator of technology, “continuous learning and adjusting” was our motto and always providing students the materials and social emotional support they needed.  Having the moments to serve in a leadership capacity at the site brought perspective, understanding and how to work with students and families during difficult times related to discipline and learning how to coordinate assessments in addition to classified and certificated evaluations.  

Most recently, Erika has joined the California Baptist University School of Education Pupil Personnel Services Faculty where she serves as adjunct teaching the Legal and Ethical Course in addition to the College and Career Class. Teaching future school counselors and providing “real time” knowledge and experience to develop students who are fully prepared for fieldwork and ready to integrate within the TK-12 Educational System. 

Having the moment in time now to bring my knowledge and experience to the Riverside County Office of Education is truly an opportunity to serve in a different capacity than my previous positions and combine my experiences!  Our team collaborates and supports all districts within our county and throughout the state with the development and refinement of their College and Career Focus. I am honored to guide and support various levels of site and district colleagues in their pursuit of providing exemplary college and career pathways for ALL students!