Riverside City College Students Gain Transformational Experience on HBCU Tour

Twenty Riverside City College students participated in a weeklong Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tour this month, immersing themselves in the history, culture, and academic excellence of HBCUs across the East Coast. Led by RCC counselors, the experience offered students, many of whom were traveling outside California for the first time, the opportunity to envision new academic pathways and connect with communities rooted in tradition, resilience, and student success.

Although the federal government shutdown prevented access to Smithsonian museums, RCC counselors transformed the schedule into a powerful learning opportunity. Students spent the day walking through downtown Washington, D.C., visiting national monuments and researching the historical events tied to each location. This hands-on exploration deepened students’ understanding of U.S. history and centered the contribution and legacy of Black leaders and communities.

“Introducing our students to HBCUs lets students see what’s possible for their future. When they step onto those campuses and meet successful people who look like them, it makes the reality limitless. It reminds them that they belong, they matter, and they can achieve more than they ever imagined,” said Corey Timberlake, PhD, Associate Professor, Counselor/Coordinator-Umoja Program.

Throughout the seven-day tour, students visited several HBCU campuses, met professors, spoke with current and former community college transfer students, and gained insight into academic programs, scholarships, and student life. Many students shared that the experience helped them imagine themselves at institutions designed to affirm identity, build belonging, and support long-term success.

For the counselors who led the trip, the experience represents one of RCC’s most impactful forms of student engagement.

“For us as counselors, it’s more than just being chaperones,” Monique Greene, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Counseling. “It’s an opportunity to spend seven days with our students and build real mentorship in real time, community building, culturally affirming support, and guidance that lasts far beyond the tour. These moments are pivotal in our students’ lives, and we are honored to walk alongside them.”