Forum set to explore crucial role of education in the San Joaquin Valley

What is happening currently within the education community of the San Joaquin Valley? What are the challenges and opportunities? What does the future of higher education look like and how does it play a pivotal role in the Valley and in California?

An interactive forum on education and how it will shape the future of the San Joaquin Valley and the state as a whole will be held on Thursday, November 8. Topics will cover a broad range including life-long learning and professional development; the current state of K-12 education, and the future of and access to higher education.

The event is sponsored by California Watch (a project of the Center of Investigative Reporting); University of California, Merced; Campaign for College Opportunity; Merced Sun Star, and Merced College. All the conversations are open to the community and public engagement is encouraged.

The first panel discussions will be held 2 – 4:30 p.m. and will cover the state of K-12 education; developing pathways to sustainable futures and the role education plays in economic development in the San Joaquin Valley. These conversations will be held at Merced College’s Business Resource Business Center, 3600 M Street in Merced.

The second part of this event will begin with a reception held 5 – 6 p.m. at UC Merced’s California Room, 5200 Lake Road in Merced. The reception will be followed by two panel discussions held 6 – 7:30 p.m., beginning with a conversation on the return on investment for education in California and key findings from the report “California’s Economic Payoff: Investing in College Access & Completion.”

A second panel will follow with a discussion on the dynamics facing colleges in California and how UC Merced and other colleges in the San Joaquin Valley provide an opportunity to continue to invest in education as a key driver for the state.

Speakers will include Hans Johnson, a senior fellow and Bren policy fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, Phil Bronstein, executive chair of the board of the Center for Investigative Reporting, and Kim H. Tran, policy director for the Campaign for College Opportunity.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the changing face of education and how it is a deciding factor in our Valley’s future. To register to attend click here. More details, including maps and parking information, will follow your confirmation of attendance. Questions may directed to Kristin Crawford at kcrawford@cironline.org.