Welcome to the GIA Education Report. With the latest in Southern California education news, I’m Alyssa Silva.
Involuntary collections on defaulted federal student loans will resume on May 5, ending a pandemic-era pause that began in March 2020. The U.S. Department of Education will once again begin garnishing wages, tax refunds, and Social Security benefits from borrowers who have been in default for 270 days or more. With over 5 million borrowers in default, this move marks a significant shift in the student loan system, even as legal battles continue over income-based repayment options like the SAVE plan.
In other news, California has launched the first phase of its statewide Cradle-to-Career data system, aimed at increasing transparency and access to education outcomes. The newly released Student Pathways Dashboard allows users to track key data such as bachelor’s degree attainment by district, time to completion, and post-graduation earnings. By linking data from K-12, higher education, workforce, and social service agencies, the tool is designed to help students and families make informed decisions about education and career planning.
Harvard University is facing escalating pressure from the Trump administration over its response to antisemitism on campus and its stance on recent federal directives. After publicly pushing back, Harvard saw swift federal retaliation, including a $2.2 billion freeze in research funding, threats to its tax-exempt status, and international student enrollment. While critics view the administration’s actions as an overreach into higher education, supporters argue they are necessary to enforce civil rights compliance. Harvard’s actions have prompted solidarity from other major universities, signaling growing resistance to federal intervention in campus governance.
San Bernardino Valley College is expanding its Aeronautics department in response to a growing regional demand for aviation professionals, including aircraft mechanics, pilots, and air traffic controllers. New programs in Flight Operations and Air Traffic Control are being introduced, including a pending Associate of Science in Professional Pilot and a newly approved FAA Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program. The department also plans to launch a drone technology program and continues to offer job placement support through partnerships with major airlines. Enrollment is on the rise, with the department expecting to graduate its largest class yet.
To close this report, we highlight Coyotes on the Horizon—a new partnership between Crafton Hills College and Cal State San Bernardino designed to strengthen transfer pathways for Inland Empire students. The agreement offers priority admission to CHC students completing Associate Degrees for Transfer, streamlines transcript processing, and expands support through the Transfer Success Pathways program. With transfer rates still low statewide, the initiative aims to remove barriers and boost local degree completion, helping more students and families access affordable, high-quality education in the region.
And that’s this week’s GIA Education Report, I’m Alyssa Silva.
