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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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A group of local community college students spent the summer learning about climate change — and what they can do to take on the issue professionally.
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For several years, Safe Parking L.A. has provided unhoused Angelenos with a place to park their cars overnight. There are still dozens of spots available.
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A community college upstate asked neighbors to pitch in for student housing. They did, and other campuses are taking note.
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The move comes after a study found varying levels of lead in the neighborhood’s tap water.
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Housing going up at UC Riverside will create much-needed space for university students — and also for hundreds of community college students who are encouraged to transfer.
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The California Student Aid Commission is urging community college students to submit their applications by the deadline, which is for all types of financial aid.
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Researchers examined more than 500 water samples in Watts.
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As lawsuits against a company that uses ethylene oxide get resolved, air regulators are keeping tabs on local facilities.
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“Wild Things Are Happening,” on view till September, showcases the children's book author’s work and legacy.
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Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez says he’s retiring to take care of his ailing father, but the announcement comes amid district turmoil.
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As the deadline for undocumented community college students to apply for financial aid approaches, advocates are doubling down on their summer outreach.
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Plaintiffs in a lawsuit against a medical sterilizer using ethylene oxide include cancer patients in the city of Maywood, as well as residents who’ve lost loved ones. The company denies wrongdoing.
