Category: Education

On March 13th, College Corps co-hosted a virtual zoom briefing with California Black Media to discuss the College Corps program and its transformative experience for students.The program, which consists of 70 percent of Pell Grant recipients, has proven to be a powerful motivator for students, particularly at a time when they report rising rates of depression and anxiety, as well as financial stress and uncertainty.Emilio Ruiz, a participant and College Corps site host, shared his experience with the program, saying, “I get to see small parts of myself in the children that I work with every week. This program helped me not have to worry about finances while I was in college which gave me more time to focus on my studies; for that, I am grateful.”The program addresses the challenges faced by college students, particularly those coming out of the pandemic. Community Host Partner and CEO of Project Optimism, Ishmael Pruitt, stated, “This program can really give those that need it the most the opportunity to stand out from their peers. The program helps students build infrastructure by being intentional about supporting them.”Beth Manke

San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) recently celebrated the legacy of Marta Macias Brown, a graduate of the college and an advocate for civil rights and social justice.The event, which took place on March 16, was aimed at benefiting student scholarships, and it brought together several prominent speakers, including Marta’s sister Gloria Macias Harrison, Congressman Mark Takano, Robert Armenta, Marta’s son Miguel McQueen, and Hans Johnson. All of them shared their reflections on Marta’s life and the positive impact she left on the community.Marta was one of the founders of UMAS (United Mexican American Students), the precursor to MEChA while studying at Cal State San Bernardino.She worked with the United Farmer Workers to bring Cesar Chavez to the area and was also one of the founders and early editors of El Chicano Newspaper.She worked in the office of Congressman George E. Brown, whom she later married, and shared his work. She was a mother, sister, and friend.Takano, who was the first person to call for Marta’s endorsement in 2012, said, “I have to say she was a fixture in Congressman George’s office.”Armenta, who worked with Marta

On March 15, the Rialto Unified School District (RUSD) and California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) launched Teach Rialto.The initiative will provide ninth-grade students, beginning with the 2023-24 school year, a program of study and support services throughout their high school experience. This program will put them in a position to meet the requirements for admission to CSUSB, where they will earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching credentials so they could return to teach in Rialto.Rachel Rincon, an alumna of Eisenhower High School and now a freshman at CSUSB, is in a pilot cohort of Teach Rialto. Majoring in child development, she shared with the audience what inspired her to want to be a teacher. “My 4th-grade teacher taught me that one student’s success is everyone’s success and each person who needs help, you help them.” Teach Rialto Pilot Program Participant Rachel Rincon sharing what inspired her to pursue an education in child development and why she aspires to become a teacher.  CSUSB President Tomas D. Morales said, “The number of applicants is beginning to trend upwards after a string of a decline in applicants

In today’s uncertain economic climate, it’s more important than ever to have a solid financial plan.  Wells Fargo can help with a wide range of products and services to meet anyone’s banking needs, including checking and high-yield savings accounts, advice and guidance around credit, and more. According to Natasha Mata, region bank director of the Inland Empire, “We focus our attention on what each customer’s individual needs are. Our economists predict a modest recession and in today’s environment, many customers are coming to us for advice.” This is why Wells Fargo is committed to tailoring conversations and providing personalized solutions to help its clients achieve savings goals. With 107 branches across the Inland Empire, Wells Fargo is easily accessible and you do not need an appointment; if a banker is not available, managers are always on hand to assist. But where should you start? “Write down your budget and understand where your money is going,” Mata advises. “Putting it on paper allows you to see in black and white where you are in your finances.” From there, you can prioritize your expenses and give every

Time For Change Foundation is proud to announce the opening of its state-of-the-art Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit (BBOP) Center on March 15th, 2023.  This revolutionary center is the first of its kind, providing an economic hub for low-income, disenfranchised women to access the resources, support, and information they need to become successful entrepreneurs. Founder Kim Carter, who was formerly incarcerated after falling victim to addiction, is the driving force behind this project, along with Time for Change Foundation Executive Director Vanessa Perez.  After cycling in and out of prison, Carter realized just how little the system does to rehabilitate and support those who are trying to get back on their feet, especially women. Now, she is using her experience to create a place where black and brown women can thrive and build generational wealth for their families. The BBOP Center is located at 599 N. Arrowhead Ave. in San Bernardino, offers 14 offices, a cafeteria, shared workspaces, and a childcare center, and is open 16 hours a day to accommodate those with 9 to 5 jobs.  The state-of-the-art entrepreneur center is modeled after

February 25 marked the first of two consecutive days of Cal State San Bernardino anthropology museum’s Afro-Latino cultural event. The event took place at the Garcia Center, at 536 W. 11th St. in San Bernardino.Director of the CSUSB anthropology museum and event organizer Arianna Huhn had a simple goal in mind: to bring attention to the existence of Afro-Latinos in Oaxaca.“A lot of people, unfortunately, don’t recognize and don’t see blackness as a part of being Chicanx and I think the event, as part of Black History Month, is really important to bring attention to the fact that blackness can come in many forms,” Huhn said.The dedication to this purpose was visible throughout The Garcia Center. Guests were treated to free catering from Cenadurìa Oaxaqueña Donaji and were able to browse art created to empower Afro-Latinos. As guests made their way through the center, they were able to view Oaxacan artifacts that were displayed at the entrance, they would then walk through a room containing the projects “Somos Negros de la Costa” and “Ébano”.“Somos Negros de la Costa” (We are Blacks from the Coast), presented

The 12th annual Wolverine Con and International Student Film Festival was held February 28th to March 4th at San Bernardino Valley College. This year’s theme was “Classic Hollywood,” a celebration and critique of Hollywood from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.  The five-day event was filled with various activities, including panels, free live concerts, and EXPO and numerous food trucks. One of the most notable aspects of the festival was the screening of over 90 short films from college and high school students from around the world. The festival had some big names in the film industry as panelists. Writer and producer Alan Gansberg led a panel on “The Studio System of the Past Versus Now,” while Alonso Llosa, Catherine Benamou, and Roberto Oregel discussed “Orson Welles: Genius or an Egomanic Self Sabot.” The panels were insightful and provided valuable information for aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals alike. One of the festival’s highlights was the free live concert with a taco truck, which added a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The attendees enjoyed the music and food while mingling and networking with other filmmakers. One of the