About This Episode

Season 6. Episode 2.

In this episode of Education Insight, we sit down with Nikolas Huot, a first-generation college student who turned his own challenges into a career dedicated to helping others succeed. From changing majors and facing financial roadblocks to finally discovering his true passion, Nikolas’s story reflects the struggles that many first-gen and nontraditional students experience on their journey through higher education.

Now a leader in the field, Nikolas is using those experiences to shape more equitable pathways to college completion. He shares practical ways that institutions can break down systemic barriers, provide stronger support networks, and design programs that truly meet students where they are. His mission is clear: to ensure that more learners—especially those who may be the first in their families to pursue a degree—have the opportunity to reach the finish line.

Through personal storytelling and policy insight, this conversation highlights why equity in higher education matters, and how empowering students to persist can change not just their lives, but the future of our communities.

Featured Guest

Nikolas Huot

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Interview Highlights

3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.