Riverside City College Unveils State-of-the-Art Makerspace to Empower Student Innovation

Riverside City College (RCC) celebrated a significant milestone today with the grand opening of its highly anticipated Makerspace, located in the RCC Salvatore G. Rotella Digital Library and Learning Resource Center. The event attracted a diverse audience, including students, faculty, classified professionals, and RCC/RCCD leaders, all eager to explore the innovative facility and engage in interactive experiences.

Attendees immersed themselves in the Makerspace atmosphere, embarking on guided tours and participating in hands-on activities. From crafting personalized keychains and earrings to designing custom buttons and decorating notebooks, guests unleashed their creativity, fully embracing the space's potential.

The grand opening commenced with celebratory welcomes from key figures such as CTE Dean of Instruction Shari Yates, RCC President Claire Oliveros, and RCCD Chancellor Wolde-ab Isaac. Professor Kwokwai Siu, Associate Professor of Applied Digital Media, shared insightful remarks, illuminating the visionary ethos behind the Makerspace. The event's highlight was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the official inauguration and marking the beginning of a transformative journey for RCC and its Tiger community.

"We are thrilled to unveil the Riverside City College Makerspace—a dynamic hub of innovation, creativity, and exploration," said Oliveros. "This space embodies our commitment to empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to thrive in an ever-evolving society."

Isaac echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Makerspace's pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the District. Now, all three colleges within the District have Makerspaces.

Equipped with state-of-the-art tools and resources, the Makerspace offers Makerbot and Formlab 3D printers, a LaserCutter/Engraver, Cricut Maker, Autopress, Kamodo-6K camera, sewing machines, hand tools, and more. Free access to equipment and materials allows students to bring their ideas to life without financial constraints.

Special recognition was extended to the dedicated faculty members of the Makerspace committee, whose collaborative spirit was instrumental in realizing the vision.

The Riverside City College Makerspace represents a cornerstone of innovation and educational excellence. It is poised to empower generations of students to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and changemakers in their communities and beyond.

For more information about the Riverside City College Makerspace, please visit https://www.rcc.edu/life-at-rcc/makerspace.html.