The Riverside Community College District received a $1 million grant from the Inland Empire Regional K-16 Education Collaborative to develop the Promoting Achievable College Transitions (PACT) program. This transformative initiative aims to provide neurodiverse students with a dedicated academic pathway at the three colleges.

 

A neurodiverse student is someone who has a neurological condition or difference that affects their learning style, social interactions, and/or behavior. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of conditions, including, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome, and other afflictions.

 

Neurodiverse students often have unique strengths and challenges compared to neurotypical students, and they may require accommodations or support to thrive academically and socially. This is where the PACT program becomes relevant. The PACT program, slated to unfold over the next three years, represents a pivotal opportunity for the District and the wider community to spearhead innovative and sustainable pathways. By tailoring resources specifically for neurodiverse students, the District seeks to foster an inclusive environment leading to a successful educational journey.

 

This funding will bolster a district-wide effort to design and implement programs and services tailored to students with neurological conditions. Among its key components is the creation of a noncredit pathway designed to facilitate the high school to college transition and enhance retention rates for neurodiverse students. Furthermore, the grant will allocate resources to support degree completion and facilitate smooth transfers to four-year universities.

 

A significant portion of the grant will be dedicated to expanding personnel for disability services across the colleges. This includes recruitment of peer mentors, curriculum development initiatives, and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff members engaged in supporting the program's objectives.