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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 stand-up strikes are meant to call attention to what members say are unfair labor practices.
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Among other demands, student workers and researchers want amnesty for students arrested over the past month.
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It currently costs $555 to renew the permit online and $605 to renew it by mail.
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Gov. Gavin Newsom’s revised plan reduces funding for key higher education programs.
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A new state report signals that the rates far exceed those at public universities.
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The museum has vowed to continue fighting for its possession of the ancient Greek statue.
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A facility in Vernon has reached a $400,000 settlement with air quality regulators.
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The sinkhole, a product of powerful winter storms, posed a serious safety risk.
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Education Department says issues are fixed, begs remaining students to submit.
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The city council wants greater transparency in how millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent to address L.A.'s unhoused crisis.
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The Men of Color Action Network's annual conference gives students and professionals a chance to share resources and rethink higher ed.
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Even if your old grades are not stellar, you can still move forward with your academic goals.
