Riverside City College and 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire Empower Youth Through Soar to Explore Drone STEM Camp

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, Riverside City College (RCC) proudly welcomed middle and high school students to campus for the third installment of the Soar to Explore Drone STEM Camp, a collaborative initiative with 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire (100 BMIE). Held in the multipurpose room of RCC’s newly renovated Business, Law, and Computer Information Systems (BLCIS) Building, the camp offered students a state-of-the-art environment to explore drone technology and STEM education.

This four-part camp series introduces youth to science, technology, engineering, and math through the lens of drone engineering. The third session focused on flight safety, quality control, and basic flight maneuvers, guided by six professional engineers who are members of 100 BMIE. Previous sessions covered core STEM concepts and the science of flight. The final camp session will take place later this spring and will feature a student drone showcase, complete with an obstacle course and certificates of completion.

RCC is proud to partner with 100 BMIE, a nonprofit organization committed to mentoring and empowering youth across Riverside and San Bernardino counties through its “Four for the Future” pillars: Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment.

Through this partnership, RCC is reinforcing its commitment to educational access and community engagement. By hosting Soar to Explore, the College is creating opportunities for families to connect with academic pathways and explore career possibilities in STEM. Enrollment resources were also shared during the event, highlighting RCC’s role as a welcoming and accessible institution for all.

RCC President Claire Oliveros, PhD, has played a key role in advancing this partnership, ensuring the College remains a hub for community-based programs. Vice President of Student Services Thomas Cruz-Soto, Ed. D, has also been instrumental in connecting families with enrollment and student support resources that strengthen access to higher education.

Looking forward, RCC and 100 BMIE will continue working together to deepen community connections, with plans to integrate additional opportunities for families to engage with the campus and learn about RCC’s academic and career programs. This partnership reflects RCC’s mission to uplift and empower the Inland Empire community through transformative, hands-on learning experiences.