Colton’s California University of Science and Medicine Celebrates Match Day for 80 of its Graduating Medical Students

California University of Science and Medicine’s (CUSM) second MD class of 80 students today participated in the national Match Day event. All CUSM students matched into residency programs across the country, with 26 performing their residency in the Inland Empire and 54 remaining throughout California. Match Day is the culmination of the National Residence Match Program, in which all graduating MDs seek residency or fellowship positions in their chosen specialty. At the same time across the country (9 a.m. Pacific Time, Friday, March 17, 2023), graduating medical students open their envelopes, learning where they will spend the next three to seven years of their lives. “Match Day is the culmination of years of study, clinical practice, and examinations,” said Paul Lyons, MD, CUSM Dean and President. “It is an end and beginning as our students enter the next phase of their professional career as healthcare providers.” Students and their families were invited to the CUSM campus to share in the occasion. Following the envelope opening, students were invited to share their match with their fellow students and place their picture on a map of the US indicating their

College Corps identifies how it helps underprivilaged students find purpose & combat depression at 45 partner campuses

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

SBVC celebrates legacy of late Marta Macias Brown via scholarships, honors her strong commitment to social justice and education

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

Rialto Unified School District and CSUSB partner to launch Teach Rialto, an initiative to train homegrown teachers

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

Congressman Aguilar Announces $1.5 Million for Clean Energy Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Tech Program at SBVC

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $1,500,000 for the Clean Energy Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician Program in San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC). This funding will be used to purchase heavy-duty zero-emission trucks and charging stations for students to train and work on. “The work being done in the clean vehicle technology program at Valley College is going to help improve our air quality and move our region, our state and our country towards a clean energy future,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “This funding is helping prepare our students for good-paying jobs right here in the Inland Empire. I will continue working closely with San Bernardino Valley College to create good-paying career opportunities for our residents.” “Thanks to Congressman Aguilar’s support, San Bernardino Valley College is leading the way in preparing students for the green jobs of the future,” said San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez. “The Inland Empire is increasingly at the crossroads of the supply chain industry, and with this federal investment, our graduates will continue at the forefront, ensuring that we have clean vehicles on our roads to help

In today’s volatile economic climate, Wells Fargo says IE residents can do “this” to work towards financial confidence

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’s entrepreneurial BBOP Center brings Silicon Valley level tech and innovation to IE women

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

CSUSB brings an Afro Latino celebration to San Bernardino

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

Rialto HS girls basketball claims CIF-SS title with comeback victory

On paper, the Rialto High School girls basketball team’s victory in the CIF-Southern Section Division 4AA championship featured a double-digit comeback with the Knights only taking their first lead of the game in the final minutes.  To hear the team talk about it, however, there’s calmness present and the feeling that they had it all along.  The Knights made history by winning the 4AA championship with a 46-44 victory against Buena Park High School on February 25 at Edison High School. The title is the program’s first since 2011. That year, Rialto High School claimed the CIF-SS Division 2AA title with a 55-53 victory against Buena High School.  In the title game, the Rialto High School girls basketball team stormed back from a 12-point halftime deficit. The Knights took their first lead of the game with 1:04 remaining in the fourth quarter. Rialto HS sophomore Carrington Davis was fouled and Buena Park HS was issued a technical foul. Davis hit both technical free throws and both foul shots to push the Knights ahead 44-42.   Despite trailing early, Rialto HS coach Robert Goodloe and the players say

Carter HS girls soccer gets revenge on way to CIF SoCal Regional title

The Carter High School girls soccer team got the ultimate revenge and wrapped up the 2022-2023 season as champions. The Lions scored a 1-0 victory over Ramona High School on March 4 to claim the CIF State SoCal Division V Regional title. Just eight days earlier, Carter High School lost the CIF-Southern Section Division 6 title game 2-0 against the same Ramona HS team.  The title is the first in program history for the Carter High School girls soccer team.  The Carter High School girls soccer team didn’t spend much time dwelling on their loss in the Southern Section title game. They didn’t have time to do so. After losing to Ramona HS on Friday, February 24, they were back at practice on Monday, February 27, and were playing in the CIF State SoCal Division V Regional tournament on Tuesday. When the Lions returned to practice they were refreshed and ready to compete for a new title. They entered the CIF State SoCal Division V Regional tournament as the No. 2 seed, behind just Ramona HS as the No. 1 seed.  “We all had the

Bank of America volunteers teach critical financial education workshops to over 1,000 RUSD high school students

In February 2023, more than 1,000 local high school students in Rialto received a crucial financial education boost, thanks to the efforts of Bank of America volunteers.  Students, from Rialto High School, Carter High School, and Eisenhower High School, were given a 12-session comprehensive education on financial literacy, as part of their Career Technical Education (CTE) program.  The students were taught by local Bank of America bankers who shared their knowledge on budgeting, money management, credit-building, and how to manage first paychecks. Bank of America has long been a proponent of financial education across the United States, offering free courses in English and Spanish to underprivileged communities, including the Inland Empire. The CTE program provided the perfect opportunity to teach students the importance of financial literacy and the basics of managing personal finances. “Financial literacy provides our communities with the knowledge and tools to help make confident, informed financial decisions to shape their future. Many students we met have a dream of continuing their education, buying a home, being financially stable, and having a career. Sharing financial education resources and tools through the Better Money

SBVC’s Wolverine Con creates space for filmmakers across the IE, with one student traveling 1,800 miles to attend

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

Carter, Rialto High Schools advance in MESA Science Competition

In a battle of wits and ingenuity, the Rialto Unified School District was well represented at the recent Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Day Competition at the University of California, Riverside, with teams from Carter and Rialto High School placing and advancing. Carter and Rialto High School students competed on March 4 against other Inland Empire MESA students in the annual MESA Day competition. Carter and Rialto High School combined to have four teams take first place and advance to the MESA Southern California Regional Competition in April. The Lions and Knights rose to the occasion with performances that were nothing short of exceptional. From coding challenges to engineering feats, these teams left no doubt that they are among the brightest young minds in the region.  Rialto High School’s Raiaan Hossain, Juan Ascencio-Martinez, and Harnoor Babbar took first place in the Math Escape Challenge. Rialto High School’s Luis Ochoa and Anthony Freeman took first place in the Think Tank competition for ninth and tenth-grade students. Carter High School’s Madison Inzunza, Rachel Montanez, and Abraham Montanez are advancing after taking first place in the Crime Scene

NSG Impact’s emotional teaching program gives RUSD students insight on how to handle cyberbullies, tips inside

Darious Harris, CEO and founder of Never Stop Grinding Impact, has developed a program that combines social and emotional learning with non-contact boxing to help students manage their emotions and behavior.  The program, called Impactful Emotional Teaching (IET), has been implemented in two Rialto Unified School District elementary schools since August 2021, with plans for expansion to other schools inside and outside the district. Students in the program are only allowed to participate in the boxing component if they listen and pay attention to the social emotional learning lecture. “As a professional boxer, I learned to control my emotions through the art of boxing,” Harris said. “Learning how to relax under pressure, I take those same things I learned there and apply it to real life. I teach these kids who grew up in the same district as myself how to be in charge of their emotions.” The program emphasizes self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills. Students write down their goals and areas they want to improve on, as well as their strengths and accomplishments. The program also includes group activities and games