Riverside City College Receives $60,000 Grant for Foster Youth Dual Enrollment Program

Jul 08, 2024
60k

Riverside City College (RCC) has received a $60,000 grant from the California College Pathways Fund to support high school students with foster care experience participating in Dual Enrollment courses.

The Foster Youth Dual Enrollment Program at RCC aims to create a seamless transition for foster youth from high school to college by offering them the opportunity to enroll in college courses while still in high school. The program is designed to provide these students with the academic and personal support needed to succeed in their educational pursuits.

"This grant is a significant boost for our Foster Youth Dual Enrollment Program," said Whitney Ortega, Ed.D., Director of Foster & Kinship Care Education at RCC. "It allows us to continue our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for foster youth. With this funding, we can enhance our recruitment efforts, strengthen our collaboration with K-12 partners, and provide ongoing support to our students throughout their academic journey."

The $60,000 grant will be utilized for various aspects of the program, including:

  • Recruitment: RCC will intensify its efforts to identify and recruit high school students with foster care experience who can benefit from the Dual Enrollment program.
  • Collaboration with K-12 Partners: Strengthening partnerships with local high schools to ensure a smooth and efficient enrollment process for foster youth.
  • Enrollment Assistance: Providing comprehensive support to help students navigate the enrollment process and register for college courses.
  • Ongoing Support: Offering continuous academic and personal support throughout the semester to help students succeed in their courses.
  • Student Stipends: Providing stipends to students upon successful completion of their courses, which can be used to cover educational expenses or other personal needs.

RCC's Foster Youth Dual Enrollment Program has already made a significant impact, with many students successfully completing college courses and gaining valuable academic experience. The continuation of this program, made possible by the California College Pathways Fund grant, ensures that RCC can keep making a positive difference in the lives of foster youth in the community.