Regional Leaders Convene to Review GIA Report on The State of Education & Talent in the Inland Empire

Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) convened education, business, healthcare, nonprofit, and government leaders to review and discuss its newly released report, “The State of Education & Talent in the Inland Empire.”

The report provides updated regional data across key cradle-to-career milestones, from early literacy and middle school math through postsecondary enrollment, completion, and employment outcomes. It outlines where the Inland Empire stands today and identifies areas that require coordinated regional action.

Serving Riverside and San Bernardino counties, a region of more than 4.7 million residents and over one million students, GIA published the report to support shared measurement and regional alignment. The findings are intended to inform policy, institutional planning, and cross-sector collaboration.

Key findings include:

• 34% of Inland Empire adults hold a postsecondary degree, compared to the California average of 46%.
• Out of every 1,000 ninth graders in the region, 885 graduate from high school, but 262 earn a bachelor’s degree.
• Nearly one in four adults has some college credit but no degree.
• College enrollment rates remain below the statewide average.

The report connects educational attainment to regional economic outcomes. Research cited in the report shows that each additional postsecondary graduate contributes to increased regional economic output, a larger tax base, and job creation.

The State of Education and Talent in the Inland Empire convening began with a data gallery highlighting student outcomes at each milestone along the cradle-to-career continuum. Participants had the opportunity to review data on early literacy, middle school math proficiency, A–G completion, dual enrollment, college enrollment and persistence, transfer, completion, and workforce outcomes.

Dr. Ashish Vaidya, President and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement, opened the event by emphasizing the role of shared data in improving regional coordination.

“The data provide a clear picture of where progress is being made and where gaps remain,” said Dr. Vaidya. “Improving outcomes requires alignment across education systems, employers, and community partners.”

Dr. Sorrel Stielstra, GIA’s Director of Research, presented the report’s findings and outlined trends across student transitions. The analysis shows that students are being lost at multiple points along the pathway from high school to degree completion.

The presentation was followed by a moderated panel discussion led by Steve Lambert, Co-Owner and Partner at 20/20 Network. Featured panelists included:

• Angelo Farooq, General Partner, AlphaX RE Capital
• Karen Faulis, Chief Executive Officer, Hi-Desert Medical Center and JFK Memorial Hospital
• Dr. Wolde-Ab Isaac, Chancellor, Riverside Community College District

Panelists discussed workforce demand, healthcare staffing needs, transfer pathways, and employer engagement. The discussion focused on strengthening alignment between K–12 systems, postsecondary institutions, and industry.

“The State of Education and Talent in the Inland Empire” report supports the region’s shared goal that 70% of working-age adults hold a postsecondary degree or credential of value. Through its CAIR strategy, Convene, Advocate, Invest, and Research, GIA will continue to support data-informed regional action.

View event photos here.