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Julia Barajas
What I cover
My reporting encompasses everything from research universities to community colleges, with an emphasis on students who’ve been historically excluded from higher education. I focus on issues that could affect students’ learning conditions and post-grad opportunities. This includes new programs and teaching methods; the spread of generative AI; labor disputes; disciplinary proceedings; and access to financial aid. I also highlight campus resources and events that are open to the broader community.
My background
Up until 12th grade, I was never assigned anything written by a person of Mexican descent, despite growing up in L.A. County, where Latinos make up nearly half of the population. So when a brochure for East Los Angeles College appeared in the mailbox, I tried out dual enrollment and took an introductory Chicano Literature course. Our class read everything from Tomás Rivera’s “... And the Earth Did Not Devour Him” to Bernice Zamora’s “Notes from a Chicana ‘COED.’” And what I learned there — about writing, about history and about myself — stayed with me. It informed my decision to major in literature and Latin American studies when I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree, and it continues to shape the work I do now.
My goals
I aim to help all college students chart a course of success for themselves, guided by their own curiosities and ambitions.
Best way to reach me
If you’re worried or excited about something related to SoCal higher ed, I’d love to hear about it. You can reach out by email at jbarajas@laist.com. If you have a tip you'd like to share more privately, you can reach me on Signal. My username is @jbarajas.68. You can follow this link to reach me there or type my username in the search bar after starting a new chat.
Stories by Julia Barajas
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The measure’s proponents promise a significant return on investment for California taxpayers.
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The young activists say they’re walking out to stand up for their friends, their families and those who’ve lost their lives at the hands of federal agents
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Educators and students worried for months about whether the programs would continue, and if faculty would stay employed.
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Beong-Soo Kim has served as interim president since this past summer.
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The annual Pasadena Rose Parade took place less than a month ago, but it's already time to prep for 2027.
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Los Angeles joins Minneapolis for a walkout at some schools and workplaces to protest immigration enforcement operations.
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Transitional kindergarten is forcing a change in the way elementary schools operate in California.
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Students fear that budget reductions at the federal level could threaten their professional futures.
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Federal funding cuts and immigration policy were two significant issues among many that local educators navigated in 2025.
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L.A. Community College District launched a guaranteed basic income program in 2024. LAist checked in to see how students are doing and what they’re planning for the future.
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Members of Teamsters Local 2010 say the university system is backtracking on a previous salary agreement
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Education researchers say happier teachers are more likely to stay and that stability can be good for long-term learning outcomes.
