Riverside City College Student Participates in National Conference to Address Housing Crisis Impacting Education

On April 22 and 23, Riverside City College (RCC) student Ethan Flores took part in the Student and Workforce Housing Development Conference and Expo at the JW Marriott LA Live in downtown Los Angeles. The conference aimed to raise awareness about the growing housing crisis impacting students, faculty, and staff across the country. With rising living costs and limited affordable housing options, educational institutions, including K-12 school districts, community colleges, and universities, are struggling to secure housing for their communities, creating significant challenges in recruitment, retention, and long-term stability.

Ethan, a second-year student at RCC, had the unique opportunity to speak on a panel at the event, which was attended by education administrators, campus planners, and housing experts. "It was an incredible experience to engage with such accomplished professionals in the field," said Flores. "I’ve had the chance to work closely with RCC and the Volz Company on the North District Phase 2 student housing project, and it’s exciting to see how these efforts can have a direct impact on students like me."

The North District Phase 2 initiative is the first of its kind, funded by the State Student Housing Grant, and aims to foster collaboration between a community college and a research university. This innovative project is designed to strengthen the transfer pathway from community college to four-year institutions and improve overall student success. Set to open in August 2025, North District Phase 2 will provide affordable housing for RCC students, allowing them to live alongside University of California, Riverside (UCR) students and take full advantage of UCR resources while continuing their studies at RCC.

"Earning a degree by starting at a community college and then transferring is one of the most affordable pathways to higher education," Ethan shared. "I’m proud to be continuing my academic journey at UCR this fall, and North District Phase 2 is an exciting opportunity for other RCC students to do the same. This project represents a significant step toward creating a stronger, more accessible educational experience."

The North District Phase 2 housing community is now accepting applications and will open its doors this August. The project offers RCC students the unique chance to immerse themselves in university culture while remaining full-time students at RCC, providing them with invaluable exposure to university life and resources.

For more information about the North District Phase 2 housing project, visit the RCC’s website.

About Riverside City College (RCC):
Riverside City College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. RCC is committed to student success, fostering academic excellence, and preparing students for both transfer and career opportunities.