About This Episode

Season 4. Episode 13.

In this episode of Education Insight, we hear from Chastdei Kotsay and Christy Boal, an advisory board member and the founder of the Grand Terrace High School Senior Legacy Program. This unique program was created to support graduating seniors by funding key events and providing necessary resources, ensuring that all students, regardless of financial challenges, can celebrate their senior year.

Chastdei and Christy share the inspiring story behind the program’s creation, its community support, and its impact on students. From scholarships to prom tickets and grad night, the program has made unforgettable moments possible for many. The duo also discusses some of the most memorable projects, including helping a student living in his car, and how these efforts provide hope and joy to students, showing them that their community cares.

Join us as we explore how the Grand Terrace Senior Legacy Program has changed lives, and hear about the possibility of expanding this model to other communities in the future. This episode is a testament to the power of community support and the importance of celebrating the milestones in a young person’s life.

Featured Guest

Chastdei Kotsay

Christy Boal

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.

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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.