Moreno Valley College and Riverside City College hosted the inaugural RCCD College for Kids summer program.

 

Offered for free in 2024, College for Kids, a pilot program, aimed to provide an enriching and educational experience to children who may not have access to summer camp due to financial constraints.

 

Michael Peterson, RCCD executive director of Adult Education & Community Initiatives, collaborated with local non-profit organizations to ensure children in need were given the opportunity to participate before opening registration to the general public.

 

At Moreno Valley College, the program focused on igniting creativity, with 40 students experiencing photography and art lessons. Students received hands-on experience in photography, covering studio and street photography using professional-grade cameras and studio lighting equipment. Additionally, students delved into foundational art concepts, including composition, portraiture and landscapes.

 

Meanwhile, Riverside City College offered experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The 42 learners immersed themselves in diverse concepts, including pi, the Fibonacci sequence, the scientific method, and molecular structure of everyday compounds. From using self-made astrolabes to measuring trees in the Quad courtyard to extracting DNA from strawberries, students embarked on a fascinating journey, gaining a head start on fundamental concepts.

 

The program received a five-star rating from parents, with many citing they would recommend College for Kids to other families. Moreover, the average rating for how much the kids enjoyed the program was an impressive 4.84 out of 5 stars.

 

One parent commented through the survey that she “valued the positive impact of having the opportunity to expose my daughter to a college-style learning environment. This experience can motivate her to aim for college, helping her realize that despite initial fears, it can be a rewarding and positive experience."

 

Another parent shared that "every day I picked up my child, she was always in happy spirits and let me know about her day. She loves the program and experience. And she loved saying she was going to college."