Education Insight

The future of work isn’t on the horizon, it’s already here. As technology, automation, and new ways of working reshape industries, educators are being called to prepare students for a world of opportunity that looks nothing like the one before. In this episode of Education Insight , host Lacey Kendall speaks with Dr. Ian O. Williamson , Dean of the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business and an i...

College students shouldn’t have to choose between buying food and paying for school. In this episode, Education Insight host Lacey Kendall talks with Karlen Nurijanyan , founder of The Student Lunch Box , a nonprofit ensuring students in Los Angeles County have access to free food, toiletries, and other essentials. Hear how one student’s struggle with hunger turned into a movement fighting food in...

In this episode of Education Insight , we’re joined by Dr. Iwunze Ugo , Research Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California , to unpack the latest findings from the Nation’s Report Card on Education. Dr. Ugo explores where students across the country are making progress—and where they continue to struggle. From the lingering effects of the pandemic to widening achievement gaps between low...

In this episode of Education Insight , we speak with Amanda Corridan , Chief Academic Officer for the Riverside County Office of Education, about the Foster Youth Success Initiative —a powerful program helping students in foster care move from surviving to thriving. Amanda shares the real challenges foster youth face in school, how her team equips educators and caregivers with tools to support the...

Colleges across the country are facing an enrollment cliff—but what about the millions of adults who never started college in the first place? Education Insight host Lacey Kendall talks with Sarah Ancel , Founder and CEO of Student-Ready Strategies, about how higher education can better reach and support adult learners who’ve been left out of the conversation. Plus, we visit San Bernardino’s famou...

Dr. F. Janelle Hannah Jefferson, Director of Network Services and Development for the Advising Success Network at NASPA , joins Education Insight to explore how effective, equity-focused advising can transform student outcomes. In her national role, Dr. Jefferson leads efforts to build strong networks among advising professionals, advance equity in student success, and promote best practices that...

Discover how Barstow Community College and Barstow USD are tackling teacher shortages through the innovative Grow Your Own Teacher program. In this episode of Education Insight , Carrie O'Neal and Dr. Jennifer Rodden share how local partnerships, financial support, and hands-on training are building a pipeline of future educators—right from the community itself.

Education Insight sits down with Shelley Mattazaro , Executive Director of the Veterans’ Alcohol Rehabilitation Program (VARP). For over four decades, VARP has helped thousands in San Bernardino rebuild their lives through recovery. Now, under Shelley’s leadership, the program is partnering with San Bernardino Valley College’s Rising Scholars Program to open doors to higher education. Shelley shar...

Education Insight explores how Chaffey College is breaking barriers with its new journalism program inside the California Institution for Men. Professor Robert Ian Jones shares how a Scripps Howard grant is connecting incarcerated students with Chaffey journalism students, while third-year student journalist Lionel Getton discusses mentoring and the power of telling their own stories.

First-generation student turned higher ed leader Nikolas Huot shares how his own journey—changing majors, facing financial challenges, and finding his passion—drives his mission to make college pathways clearer and more equitable. Hear how institutions can break down barriers, support first-gen and nontraditional students, and help more learners complete their degrees.

On this episode of Education Insight , Dr. Jeff Oldfield, Executive Director of Innovation and Competitive Advantage at the Riverside County Office of Education, unpacks the promises and pitfalls of AI in K–12 education. From easing teacher workloads and closing learning gaps to tackling ethical concerns like data privacy and equity, this conversation explores how schools can harness AI while safe...

In this episode, Gaby Pacheco, CEO of TheDream. US, and Fermin Vasquez, Director of Communications, join us to discuss the mission and vision of TheDream. US, the largest organization supporting Dreamer students with college and career opportunities. They share insights into the challenges they face in expanding access, their role in advocating for immigration reform, and the emotional support the...

In this episode, Betsy Mayotte, founder of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, joins us to discuss the current state of student loan forgiveness under the Biden administration, and the potential risks to borrowers. We dive into key changes to programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), what borrowers should know about their forgiveness status, and the future of federal student loan p...

In this episode of Education Insight, we sit down with Roy Juarez, an award-winning speaker, activist, and entrepreneur, to discuss his groundbreaking leadership program for students. Roy shares his insights on how his program empowers young people, many of whom have been overlooked as “leadership material,” to unlock their full potential. We dive into the core values that drive the program, the i...

In this episode of Education Insight , we meet two incredible young achievers: Alisa Perales, a 10-year-old who is about to graduate from Crafton Hills College with two associate degrees in mathematics and multiple sciences, and Victoria Li, a 6th grader from Riverside County who just became the champion of the 47th Annual Riverside County Spelling Bee. Alisa shares her journey of homeschooling, o...

In this episode of Education Insight , we dive into The Amazing Shake competition with Jacqui Dobens, founder of Much More Than Mentorship and Prep Team Director for the event at San Gorgonio Middle School. Jacqui shares the story behind this unique competition where middle schoolers develop and demonstrate essential life skills like public speaking, empathy, and etiquette. With a fascinating rost...

In this episode of Education Insight , we’re joined by Michael Medoro, Chief Operating Officer at Childhelp U.S.A., to discuss their Speak Up Be Safe program, which helps children learn how to protect themselves from predators and bullies. Michael shares the inspiration behind the program, its impact on students, and how it equips children with the tools to stay safe in today’s world, including on...

In this episode of Education Insight, we explore school programs that support students with disabilities, highlighting the impact they have on academic success. We also feature a remarkable La Quinta High School student, Amber Trieu, who excels despite her hearing disability. Amber shares how she balances her academic achievements, athletic pursuits, and award-winning culinary skills, proving that...

In this episode of Education Insight , Dr. Kevin Cokley, Associate Chair for Diversity Initiatives at the University of Michigan, discusses the impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in education. He explores how DEI initiatives shape campus climate, improve student outcomes, and the potential consequences of removing such programs. Dr. Cokley also shares insights on balancing inclusivit...

In this episode of Education Insight , Alfredo Cruz, Director of the Emmy-nominated and National Educational Television Association Award-winning public television show Learn with Me , shares the journey behind creating a bilingual kids’ show that combines live-action and animation. Alfredo discusses how the show’s culturally authentic content, featuring both English and Spanish segments, enhances...

In this episode of Education Insight , we sit down with Guadalupe Saldivar and Karina Augustus, Career Services Specialists at UC Riverside, to discuss the growing role of AI in education and workforce development. They share insights from their recent presentation at the PROPEL AI Symposium at CSU San Bernardino, exploring how AI is shaping industries, its impact on teachers and students, and the...

In this episode of Education Insight , Dr. M.D. Haque from the LaFetra College of Education at the University of LaVerne discusses the ongoing teacher workforce shortages in California and nationwide. He shares insights into the state of education, the challenges schools are facing, and the long-term effects on school communities. Dr. Haque explores effective solutions for training and retaining t...

In this episode of Education Insight , Dr. Tom Kane from Harvard University discusses the findings of the Education Recovery Scorecard. He dives into how student achievement in math and reading has recovered (or not) since the pandemic, highlighting disparities in income, race, and absenteeism, as well as the long-term impacts of these challenges. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how scho...

In this episode of Education Insight , we sit down with Dr. Dale Marsden, Founder & Chief Visionary of Tomorrow's Talent, a pioneering initiative that bridges the gap between education and in-demand careers. Dr. Marsden, a former superintendent and prominent So. Cal. educational leader, discusses how Tomorrow’s Talent works with schools, businesses, and community groups to ensure students gain...

In this episode of Education Insight , we visit Idyllwild Arts Academy, America's premier arts high school, with Pamela Jordan, the Academy's president. Pamela shares what makes the school unique, from its international student body to its blend of traditional and emerging art forms. We dive into the challenges and rewards of balancing academics with artistic passion and explore the ways Idyllwild...