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We Have A New Community Colleges Reporter
Students walk between classes at East Los Angeles College, which is working on expanding its presence in Southeast L.A.
(
Jackie Orchard
/
LAist
)
LAist has a new community colleges reporter. Julia Barajas will now be covering issues facing Californians as they launch their higher education journeys or kick off new careers. If you’re a community college student or staff member at a campus in Greater L.A., she wants to hear from you.
From Julia:
I've been at LAist for two years, covering everything from student debt to environmental justice. Most recently, I served as our station’s community engagement reporter, and my work was guided by questions that came directly from readers and listeners. In this new role, I will likewise pay close attention to what matters most to students, with an emphasis on those who often encounter additional challenges when navigating higher ed.
The California Community Colleges system is the largest in the country, with the potential to transform students’ lives. I plan to dig deep into issues that can shape their success, including the accessibility of financial aid; support systems for students who are struggling; and the quality of course offerings and career training programs.
My goal is to make sure students have the information they need to thrive. If you’re a community college student, educator, or counselor — or if you’re a former student who was compelled to quit school — I’d love to hear about your experience.
Send me your thoughts, questions, and ideas. Here's my info.
Hear more from Julia:
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We Have A New Community Colleges Reporter
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
