As I reflect on the past academic year, I have come to realize the importance of the word community in the title of the Riverside Community College District. The word community is commonly associated with a community of individuals who live together in a neighborhood, work together, or go to school together, but the Riverside Community College District perceives community as a thread to bring people together to advocate and support each other while learning and building a better future.
We have absorbed that what is learned today will serve as the cornerstone of each person’s personal educational journey. And, right now in the Inland Empire, educational success is paramount to the region as we realize the need for a developed and well-educated Inland Empire workforce.
As so, the Riverside Community College District continues to invest and develop initiatives that will grow the colleges and educational offerings in order to ensure our communities are educated for tomorrow’s jobs. The Inland Empire is forecasted to grow twice as fast as any other region in the state through 2048, lending to the opportunity for increased job prospects compared to other parts of the state. That puts a lot of pressure on the colleges to produce a workforce that can sustain the region.
To meet the region’s needs, including the development of a state-of-the-art technical trade center and the modernization of the college campuses, the District will need substantial support from our communities. What is accomplished today will impact generations of learners. We also need to embrace that learning is a lifelong journey.
Throughout its 100-plus year history, the Riverside Community College District has received unbelievable community support, building long-lasting relationships across education, giving and political platforms. Together, we have constructed community colleges that are committed to workforce and economic development; technical and vocational training; a low-cost opening to higher education; and opportunities to experience community service.
Together, we can meet the region’s workforce needs…and build a community that will flourish.
Sincerely,
Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D.
Chancellor, Riverside Community College District
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