Students in the Inland Empire face more barriers in Higher Education
The Inland Empire displays low levels of college enrollment at the four-year institutions. The barriers that students in the Inland Empire face greatly impact their ability to finish high school and attend a four-year institution. Many students in the Inland Empire can attend a community college, but are less likely to transfer to a four-year university. Many families worry if they can afford their children’s college education, further steering them away from possibly attending a four-year institution. Students need resources to rely on when their family cannot support them, and to learn how the system works.
Many of the struggles they face stem from systemic racism and poverty in the area, and they are taught to survive from a young age. Many students are the first in their families to leave home for college, and because of this, we need to create systems in place to help these students navigate the system. With the support of their community, they would be given greater chances to escape the cycle of poverty in their families. By reforming Prop 13, more money would be allocated to help the students in the Inland Empire. Especially during this time when Trump is targeting public education and the programs that support marginalized students, California needs to step up and protect our kids. Reform Prop. 13!
Diana Lambert, EdSource
Inland Empire confronts obstacles to sending students to college
By Emma Gallegos |July 22 2025| Ed Source