RCC Participates in RCCD Digital Access Summit, Paving the Way for Inclusive Digital Equity

The Riverside Community College District (RCCD) partnered with Riverside City College (RCC) proudly hosted the Digital Access Summit on November 20, 2024, at the Riverside City College Culinary Arts Academy.  An event put on by Dean BúShell was a landmark event that brought together an extraordinary group of thoughtful leaders, educators, business representatives, government officials, and community advocates to address one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century: ensuring digital equity for all.

The Summit highlighted the barriers many individuals face in accessing essential digital tools and services, focusing on challenges such as affordability, digital literacy, and infrastructure gaps. Over 50 attendees, including representatives from the City of Riverside, local schools, and nonprofit organizations, joined forces to explore innovative strategies for promoting inclusivity in the digital realm.

Dr. Wolde-Ab Isaac, RCCD Chancellor, set the tone during the welcome session by emphasizing the district's commitment to bridging the digital divide for its students and the broader community

Throughout the day, participants engaged in sessions on topics ranging from collaborative grant writing to digital mental health supports. Dr. Mary Rankin of RCC delivered a powerful presentation on leveraging digital tools to improve mental health accessibility, offering actionable insights for organizations across sectors.

"Digital mental health supports are a vital bridge to well-being, offering accessible resources that meet students where they are.” Stated Dr. Rankin, “At RCCD, we are committed to integrating these tools to foster resilience, support academic success, and empower our community to thrive."

The Summit also showcased RCCD’s active partnerships with agencies like AT&T and the County of Riverside to implement technology-driven initiatives. These collaborations underscore RCCD’s unwavering dedication to empowering communities through education and innovation.

The event concluded with closing remarks that reiterated a shared commitment to building a future where every individual has access to the digital tools needed to thrive.