The Inland Empire: A Region of Opportunity and Challenge
The Inland Empire, a dynamic and rapidly expanding region in California, is home to 4.6 million residents. It is known for its youthful population, cultural diversity, and growing economic potential. However, it also faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of income levels and access to higher education.
Local and state leaders are focusing on the region as a key area for future economic development. They believe that college education can play a crucial role in shaping the region’s and the state’s long-term success. Ashish Vaidya, president and CEO of Growing Inland Achievement, emphasizes that the Inland Empire is a region of consequence. His organization leads a K-16 collaborative effort aimed at bridging the gap between K-12 education and higher learning.
A recent report from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) highlights the barriers that students in the Inland Empire face when it comes to attending and completing college. The report also outlines potential solutions being developed to address these issues.
College Enrollment and Transfer Rates
In California, 64% of high school graduates from the 2021-22 academic year enrolled in college. However, in Riverside and San Bernardino counties — which make up the Inland Empire — the rates are lower, at 54% and 56%, respectively. Even when students do attend community colleges, they are less likely to transfer to four-year universities compared to other Californians. Only 31% of community college students in the region eventually transfer, which is the lowest rate in the state.
Geographic factors contribute to this challenge. While the Inland Empire is home to major universities like UC Riverside and CSU San Bernardino, many community colleges are located more than 25 miles away from any university. This distance can create obstacles for students looking to transfer.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress. The PPIC report praises the work of Growing Inland Achievement and highlights several initiatives aimed at improving college access. For example, CSU San Bernardino has launched a pilot program that allows direct admissions to high school students who meet specific criteria, reducing the need for traditional applications.
Dual enrollment programs, which allow high school students to take college courses, have also shown promise in increasing college attendance rates. These programs help students gain experience and credits before graduation, making the transition to higher education smoother.
Aligning High School and College Requirements
The PPIC report recommends aligning high school requirements with the A-G courses needed for admission to public universities. This alignment would ensure that more students are both eligible and prepared for college. Some school districts already have high school curricula that closely match university requirements, except for foreign language courses.
However, there is a prevailing skepticism about the value of a bachelor’s degree in the Inland Empire. Catalina Cifuentes, executive director of college and career readiness for the Riverside County Office of Education, notes that conversations about college have shifted in recent years. Parents now often express concerns about debt and ideological influences, rather than just readiness or affordability.
Economic Context and Perceptions of Higher Education
The Inland Empire has a relatively low cost of living, which has historically attracted workers commuting to more expensive areas like Los Angeles. Many residents work in industries such as transportation, warehousing, and construction, where wages may exceed the minimum but still fall short of what is typical in other parts of the state.
This economic context contributes to the perception that a college degree may not be as valuable. However, the PPIC report points out that Inland Empire residents with degrees see a 39% increase in wages, which is slightly lower than the 55% bump seen elsewhere in California. Despite this, college graduates in the region are more likely to own homes than their counterparts in other parts of the state.
The Role of Schools and Early Education
Schools play a critical role in informing students about college options, as many students rely on them for guidance rather than family or community support. Cifuentes emphasizes the importance of educating students about course selection, college applications, and financial aid.
The PPIC report also stresses the need for early conversations about postsecondary options. Beginning in middle school, students should be introduced to the idea of college, trade schools, military service, or other career paths. Increasingly, school districts are taking on this responsibility.
Data sharing is also essential. Cifuentes shares an example of how Advanced Placement teachers were initially unaware of the need for college readiness programs. When they saw data showing that many AP students did not go on to college, it changed their perspective.
A Range of Postsecondary Options
PPIC advocates for keeping all postsecondary options open for students. Kevin Cook, a research associate at PPIC, emphasizes that the goal is not to push every student toward college, but to ensure they have the information and resources to make informed choices. Whether it’s trade school, employment, military service, or higher education, students should have a full range of opportunities available to them.