RCC Donates Backpacks to Central Middle School Students

On Thursday, September 25, the Riverside City College (RCC) Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA), in partnership with Umoja, donated backpacks filled with school supplies to students at Central Middle School in the Riverside Unified School District (RUSD). The event highlighted RCC’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and community connection.

Herbert English, Dean of Counseling and Specially Funded Programs at RCC, emphasized the importance of partnerships that extend beyond the campus: “This partnership represents the heart of what we do—connecting our college to the community in meaningful ways. By providing backpacks and supplies to Central Middle School, we’re not just giving students tools for learning, we’re sending them the message that higher education cares about their journey from the very beginning.”

Malika Bratton, President of the RCC Black Faculty & Staff Association, shared that the initiative reflects BFSA’s core mission: “Our mission in the BFSA has always been to uplift and support students, and that starts well before they reach our colleges. Donating backpacks is a simple but powerful way to show these young scholars that we believe in their potential and are committed to walking with them on their path to success.”

Lorena Newsom, Dean of College Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement at RCC, added: “Equity means making sure every student has the tools and support they need to thrive. Seeing our faculty, staff, and community come together to provide these backpacks reflects the kind of inclusive commitment that changes lives—starting right here in our local schools.”

“A backpack may seem simple, but it can make a significant difference in a student’s success. It carries their books, technology, and essential supplies—the very tools that support learning and open the door to future opportunities. Central Middle School is deeply grateful for our partnership with RCC. Their generous support provides our scholars with resources that will positively impact their education and long-term success,” explained Principal of Central Middle School, Shani Dahl.

The impact of the donation was also felt directly by families and students currently on campus. One RUSD parent remarked on the need: “As a parent, I see firsthand how heavy our kids’ backpacks get with books and supplies. Many families, including mine, sometimes have to buy more than one backpack in a school year because they don’t last under the weight. That can be very expensive, and not everyone can afford it. That’s why this donation means so much, it fills a real need and gives our students one less worry as they focus on learning.”

Further emphasizing this point was Teacher of the Year, Monic Dugan, who stated, "The partnership between RCC and Central Middle School for the support of our student body is an enhancement to the entire Riverside community that I am extremely grateful for. Amazing leaders dedicated their time and ingenuity to provide sturdy and stylish backpacks so that families feel that their child is highly regarded and safe. These backpacks represent the commitment of Riverside's educational leadership to being the change they want to see in the world"

The collaboration between RCC’s BFSA and Umoja reflects the college’s broader mission of strengthening ties with local schools and ensuring that students are supported academically and socially from an early age.