Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
Education

We Have A New Community Colleges Reporter

Six students are seen walking, some in pairs, to their next class on the ELAC campus.
Students walk between classes at East Los Angeles College, which is working on expanding its presence in Southeast L.A.
(
Jackie Orchard
/
LAist
)

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

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:

Sponsored message
Listen 3:38
We Have A New Community Colleges Reporter

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right