Riverside City College and UCR School of Education Partner to Build Future Inland Empire Educators

Riverside City College (RCC) and the University of California, Riverside (UCR) School of Education are strengthening transfer pathways for aspiring teachers in the Inland Empire through a growing partnership supported by Project KEEP, a grant-funded program designed to support future educators.

On November 17, RCC transfer students visited the UCR campus for a special field trip to explore the UCR School of Education, learn about transfer pathways and the Teacher Education Program, and see themselves as future UC students and educators.

Through Project KEEP, UCR is able to host multiple events throughout the year specifically for RCC students, helping them plan their transfer, understand admission requirements, and prepare for careers as teachers serving local communities.

“This experience is about breaking down barriers,” said Adriana Silva, UCR School of Education Liaison at RCC. “Many community college students don’t see a UC as possible for them. We want our RCC students to know that UCR School of Education is here for them, that they belong on this campus, and that there should be no barriers when it comes to transferring.”

During the visit, students toured the School of Education, learned how to secure their spot at UCR, and received guidance on the steps needed to continue into UCR’s Teacher Education Program. The event was designed to bridge the gap between community colleges and four-year universities and to demystify the UC transfer process.

Interest in the event was high, with more than 80 students submitting forms to participate. Due to limited space, not all interested students could be accommodated, underscoring the demand for clear, supportive transfer pathways.

“This kind of partnership helps our students see a direct, guided route from RCC to UCR and into teaching careers in the Inland Empire,” Silva said. “We are committed to creating more opportunities like this.”

Students who are interested in attending a future field trip to UCR School of Education in Spring 2026 are encouraged to watch for flyers on campus and in their email.

In addition, RCC students who would like to take UCR Education courses while still enrolled at RCC, and at a lower cost, can learn more by contacting Silva.

For more information or to express interest in future field trips or UCR Education coursework opportunities, students may email Adriana.Silva@rcc.edu.