Riverside City College Expands Male Mentoring Initiative with Fall 2024 Career Exploration and Life Planning Course

Riverside City College (RCC) proudly offered its GUID-47 Career Exploration and Life Planning course in Fall 2024. This innovative, 3-unit class, which integrated a male mentoring component, supported all RCC students while placing a particular emphasis on engaging male students and men of color. This marked the second time the course was offered in 2024, reflecting growing interest and a strong impact across the campus community.

GUID-47 went beyond traditional career exploration by encouraging students to reflect deeply on the value of higher education from a male perspective. The course was initially inspired by Jairo De Leon, who recognized the need for mentoring opportunities for individuals, particularly young men, seeking direction and support. “While the focus remained on males and men of color, we saw a beautiful dynamic where other community members joined in support,” said De Leon.

Interestingly, female students also enrolled in the course, offering diverse perspectives and enriching classroom discussions. Many shared that their motivation to join stemmed from a desire to better understand the male perspective, especially for those who grew up without a father or male figure in their lives. Their participation added valuable insights and underscored the course’s broader relevance.

Topics covered in the course included personal growth, financial literacy, physical and mental self-care, relationships, and more. These discussions fostered meaningful dialogue and provided a supportive space for all students to reflect, share, and learn. The result was transformative, with students gaining tools to navigate their academic and personal journeys while building a stronger sense of community.

“The course created an opportunity for students to come together, challenge stereotypes, and uplift one another,” said De Leon. “Seeing how it resonated with everyone—male and female students alike—was truly inspiring.”

The Fall 2024 GUID-47 class continued RCC’s commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and student success. By offering spaces for mentorship and self-discovery, RCC empowered its diverse student body to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.

About Riverside City College:
Established in 1916, Riverside City College is dedicated to serving the Inland Empire community through high-quality education, innovative programs, and comprehensive student support. RCC provides pathways for transfer, career technical education, and personal growth, empowering students to achieve success in their educational and life goals.