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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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“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.
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Completion rates are down statewide following the new FAFSA’s troubled rollout, but some districts managed to maintain last year’s levels.
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The summer will be chock-full of webinars and in-person workshops. Advocates are also calling on the federal government to make it easier to apply.
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An Orange County judge had paused a strike by the University of California's academic workers. The strike is now over, but the underlying fight will continue.
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If you need last-minute support to complete your application, professional help is available.
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Across California, tens of thousands of students with learning disabilities are navigating higher ed. But not all of them are getting the support they need, and many have to learn to advocate for themselves.
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There’s a lot of help available, but students have to take the first step.
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Academic workers at six UC campuses have been on strike over how the university system responded to recent campus protests.
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For weeks, the UC system and the union that represents the workers have been trading jabs, urging the other side to compromise in time for finals.
