RCC Students Connecting to the World of STEM!
Riverside City College (RCC) hosted its STEM Connections Fair on Thursday, March 30th, 2023, from 11 am to 2 pm. This event was geared towards STEM students, prospective STEM students, and STEM enthusiasts who were interested in transferring to 4-year institutions, participating in summer research programs, and learning about various resources available to them.
The event was a success, with 270 RCC students in attendance. 27 total tables were set up to represent STEM academic departments, STEM clubs/organizations, college support services, and university and summer research program representatives. The tables included representatives from universities such as Cal Baptist University, Cal Poly Pomona, CSU San Bernardino, Keck Graduate Institute, La Sierra University, Loma Linda University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, UC Riverside, and UC Riverside School of Medicine. Students were able to connect with these representatives to gain transfer guidance, learn about summer research opportunities, and explore potential academic pathways.
The fair also provided students with a chance to win prizes, including three iPads with Apple Pencils. Students also received swag bags filled with goodies. Food was provided by 4tinos through ASRCC, making the event even more enjoyable for all attendees.
Dr. Virginia White, Professor of Life Sciences and Outdoor Plant Laboratory Director at RCC, stated that,
“One of the research experience tables featured the research we are able to offer through RCC. We're so excited that we can offer summer research experiences to our STEM students through two grants we have in the STEM Division. We have an HSI grant through the National Science Foundation and a Title III grant through the US Department of Education that fund research experiences both at RCC and at CSUSB. Through these grants, we are able to offer students both one-week and 10-week research experiences in a variety of STEM fields. We funded the STEM Connections event using the Title III grant, including the raffle prizes like iPads that we were able to offer students who attended! "
Courtney Carter, Assistant Professor in Counseling, Career Center Coordinator, and
Guided Pathways Coordinator, expressed his satisfaction with the STEM event. He stated,
“The university transfer and summer research representatives loved engaging with our students at the event! They specifically shared that our STEM students were “highly engaged,” “asked great questions,” and “came very prepared.””
The STEM Connections fair was a great opportunity for RCC STEM students to connect with university representatives and summer research programs, receive transfer guidance, and explore resources available to them. RCC continues to offer STEM students research experiences through its grants, providing opportunities for students to pursue their academic and career goals.
STEM Engagement Center
Connect with your Educational Advisor, STEM Peer Mentor, or STEM Counselor! Your Engagement Center is here to answer your questions regarding academic programs, RCC's STEM Division and events on campus.
Location: Martin Luther King Building Room 222
Educational Advisors: