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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 Oscars give us a chance to root for our favorites. Film critic Carlos Aguilar tells us how to discover something new.
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As an undocumented student, Aguilar didn’t qualify for financial aid. It was up to him to pay his way through school.
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Oral health can impact academic performance. It can also be a learning opportunity for dental hygiene students.
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The union had reached a deal in late January after being on strike for one day. As details of that agreement slowly emerged, many members urged leaders to go back to the bargaining table.
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California State University faculty are weighing an agreement that would increase pay and benefits. Many don't want to go back on strike, but others say the union can do better.
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A week of screenings, panels, and meaningful conversations leads to new confidence and excitement to make movies.
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For many of California State University's faculty members, the chancellor's salary and benefits are an example of executive pay run amok.
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The hundreds of thousands of students across 23 campuses won't have classes.
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In a town where USC, UCLA, and AFI tout their powerful alumni networks, community colleges have a stake in developing future members of the film industry.
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The Middle Class Scholarship is for students whose families earn a little over $200,000 a year.
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New Program Wants To Put More Community College Grads In Full-Time Professor Jobs, Diversify FacultyThe Compton College Faculty Prep Academy, in partnership with USC, will pair participants with a mentor and help them prepare for job interviews.
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Having trouble with the new 2024-25 FAFSA? You’re not alone. And there are other changes you might not know about, too.
