About This Episode

Season 6. Episode 3.

This episode of Education Insight takes listeners inside the California Institution for Men, where Chaffey College is redefining what access to education can look like. Through a groundbreaking journalism program, incarcerated students are gaining the tools to share their own voices and experiences with the world.

Professor Robert Ian Jones, who leads the initiative, explains how a grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation has created a unique partnership between incarcerated students and Chaffey journalism majors on campus. The program not only builds skills in reporting and storytelling but also bridges communities that rarely get the chance to connect.

We also hear from Lionel Getton, a third-year student journalist, who shares his perspective on mentoring within the program and why empowering people to tell their own stories has the potential to transform lives.

By breaking down barriers to education and amplifying voices from inside prison walls, this initiative is helping to redefine both journalism and justice in the Inland Empire.

Featured Guest

Dr. Jeff Oldfield

Watch the Episode

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.