The Inland Empire is the fastest growing region in California, home to the state’s third-largest population. Much of that population is youthful and diverse, but relatively few pursue a college degree. “Over the past 50 years, per-capita income in the Inland Empire has lagged behind the rest of the state,” PPIC researcher Kevin Cook said in a briefing on a new report last week, ahead of a panel discussion moderated by PPIC researcher Hans Johnson. “The lack of workers with a bachelor’s degree … has had a significant impact on wage growth.”

Although high school graduation rates are high, Cook explained, many students don’t go on to college after high school. Industry growth over the past decade has centered around transportation, logistics, and health care. “The demand for manual skills has been higher than the demand for college graduates.… [residents] secure earnings higher than the minimum wage without a college degree,” Cook said, acknowledging that the higher earnings associated with a degree may take years to come to fruition.

“It’s economics for many folks—will this get me to the job?” Michael Wiafe, Assistant Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Office of Governor Newsom said.  “[People] take the opportunity that looks more attainable. We need to ensure that we provide the menu of options.” To that end, Wiafe outlined how the state is investing in pilot programs and innovations that support college-going.

“Inland Empire residents believe in the value of post-secondary attainment … but some of the challenges are misperceptions about cost, financial aid information,” Ashish Vaidya, President and CEO, Growing Inland Achievement said. “We have our work cut out for us, but the state of California … depends on how well the Inland Empire does.”

Catalina Cifuentes, Director of College and Career Readiness, Riverside County Office of Education College, stressed the power of data sharing as well as working with students while they are at school. The Cal State system piloted a direct admissions program for the region, with students completing college and financial aid applications during the school day: “CSU has directly admitted students into 10 campuses because they already have their info; students just have to press submit.”

What other strategies are working? “Community college districts have also expanded outreach programs,” Cook said, “to assist with the often-confusing application process and to provide career fairs … for insight into [the careers] possible after students earn a degree.” Meanwhile, nonprofits and community partners have stepped in with scholarships and mentorships.

For Johnson, the Cradle-to-Career data system and the California College Guidance Initiative will be powerful tools that “help, in real-time, students know whether they are on the pathway to college.” Wiafe agreed, saying that the newly released state dashboard connects the data points as students are deciding on continuing their education or starting a career.