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Research has linked primary and secondary education to economic development and growth and also shows that increased investments in health, skills and knowledge provide future returns to the economy through increases in labor productivity. Education increases workers’ average earnings and productivity, and it also reduces the incidence of social problems, such as drug abuse, crime, welfare dependency and lack of access to medical care, all of which can weigh heavily on the economy. Due to the Inland Empire low tuition cost and lack of significant requirements for admission, community colleges have become the post-secondary organizations that many disadvantaged groups use to gain access to employment. Thus, community colleges are well-positioned to help bridge the educational, wage, race and class divides in Riverside County. All community colleges in the region are Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), some with minority enrollments exceeding 80%. FOUR YEAR UNIVERSITIES CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY California Baptist University (CBU) describes itself as “a Christian institution committed to strong academic and spiritual values.” It offers a wide range of academic programs and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Cal Baptist has approximately 80 full-time faculty and an average class size of 18. For the working adult, Cal Baptist offers an evening college program with comparable academics. It also offers an MBA program among a number of graduate degree opportunities. CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA Striking a balance between urban excitement and rural charm, Cal Poly Pomona is nestled in 1,438 rolling acres on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County. Due to its location at the nexus of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, the university’s students can swim in the ocean, ski in the mountains and visit the world’s happiest amusement park in the same day. As one of only two polytechnic universities in the state, Cal Poly Pomona is known for its learn-by doing philosophy. The university recognizes that students who solve classroom problems today have an advantage as employees solving real-world problems tomorrow. The university offers more than 60 majors and degree programs in eight academic colleges. Faculty in all disciplines apply theory to practice, creating opportunities for students to use their knowledge in hands on projects, collaboration in research and participation in valuable internships and service learning programs. Ranked among the top public universities in the western United States, Cal Poly Pomona provides a rich academic experience that encourages hands-on learning in every program, course and activity on campus. Eight academic colleges offer more than 100 degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, credential and certificate programs.

California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Ave Riverside, CA 92504 www.calbaptist.edu

California Polytechnic University, Pomona 3801 W. Temple Ave Pomona, California 91768 https://www.cpp.edu

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