Education

First generation college student Lessly Tapia Torres of Rialto receives CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement

By CaliNews 2 days ago

Lessly Tapia Torres recalls struggling with anxiety and depression during her adolescent years. For her, a university education seemed nothing more than a distant dream until a Cal State LA alumnus helped her overcome self-doubt. Torres, 22, is now an exercise science major with a minor in biology at Cal State LA. On Thursday, she was named as one of the recipients of the top academic achievement award in the California State University system. She was presented the CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement on Sept. 22 during the Board of Trustees virtual meeting. The award, presented to a student at each of the 23 campuses, recognizes superior academic performance, exemplary community service and significant personal accomplishment. “This award validates that I am going on the right path,” said Torres, who lives in Rialto. “My hard work, dedication and passion are reflected in this honor, and it makes me feel really good about it.” Torres looks forward to completing her undergraduate degree in the spring and then applying to medical school. Her ambition is to become a doctor and provide care to people in historically…

Chaffey College receives $3.2 million federal grant to support Latino students

By CaliNews 1 week ago

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Chaffey College a $3.2 million grant to boost the region’s college-going rate, support high school dual enrollment and promote workplace essential skills. The Title V grant, received this month, was only awarded to 75 colleges across the country that are designated as Hispanic Serving Institutions or colleges with a student population that is 25 percent or more Latino. “This grant will be a game-changer for current and future Chaffey College students, as well as our surrounding community,” said Chaffey College Superintendent/President Henry Shannon. “When more students earn college degrees and certificates, particularly those from underserved communities, it has a lasting impact on their families and the economy.” It is the fourth time Chaffey has received a Title V grant. The college has used funding to establish the Guiding Panthers to Success support centers as well as the tutoring program “Supplemental Instruction,” among other initiatives. Laura Hope, associate superintendent of instruction and institutional effectiveness, said the new grant will help Chaffey support Latinos, as well as other students, in various ways including: Better access – Chaffey College plans to…

Inland Empire school districts commit to increasing financial aid application completion rates

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

Inland Empire high school students will be fully informed of college financial aid resources available to them through the “Leave No Money on the Table” campaign spearheaded by BLU Educational Foundation, to eliminate barriers around college affordability and access to financial resources in regards to disadvantaged students in the inland region. The launch was announced on Friday morning, Sept. 4, at Carter High School in Rialto, where leaders from various school districts throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties came together to commit to the goal of increasing FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and Dream Act application completion rates among high school students. According to BLU Foundation President / CEO and Rialto Unified School District Board member Dina Walker, the nonprofit organization has strived to make the conversation of financial aid imperative for the past 10 years; the movement started to gain traction two years ago across California. “I want to thank Assemblymember Eloise Reyes because two years ago we came to her and said ‘this is an opportunity for us to do something big,’ and she did not hesitate (to work with us),”…

Rialto Unified collects affected computer devices, distance learning resumes for Pre-K – 8th grade

By CaliNews 2 weeks ago

The Rialto Unified School District fell victim to an external malware attack on Friday, Aug. 21 that resulted in the immediate suspension of the district’s internet and technology systems including distance learning. It was determined the attack targeted Windows devices issued to high school students, and district personnel prioritized the collection of those devices last week. Photo RUSD: Eisenhower High School staff leaders, from left: Frank Camacho, Ike Principal, Crystal Sanchez, Ike School Secretary, John Richmond, Ike Assistant Principal, Adriana Avila, Ike Secretary, and Jennifer Cuevas, Ike Assistant Principal. Chromebooks distributed to Pre-K through 8th grade were not affected, and students resumed distance learning on Monday, Aug. 31. High school students will return to Bridge Academy at a later date. According to RUSD Communications Director Syeda Jafri devices will be individually inspected during the week for any damage or signs of compromise. “The Rialto Unified School District remains resilient in the wake of this malware issue, which came from an outside source. Information Technology is working round the clock with school and support sites leaders. Online instruction will occur in the near future after devices…

San Bernardino Valley College changes name of its radio, television and film program

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

Since inception of the program over 40 years ago, the San Bernardino Valley College Radio, Television and Film program changed its name ahead of the 2020-2021 school year. The program, which is now titled Film, Television and Media, was initiated to encompass a full range of inclusivity for all areas of media. “We changed the name of the program because we needed to broaden our program’s scope, to evolve with the landscape of the media industry. When the program started over 40 years ago, it focused heavily on radio and today radio has been, in a sense, replaced with platforms such as podcasts and music streaming services,” said Lucas Cuny, program co-chair. Today, the hands-on program is focused on film, media and production, with an array of equipment for students to reserve and use at home. “With the upgrades that our department has received in the past year students have the ability to come in and make a short film, a documentary, a podcast, or even shoot a live sporting event,” continued Cuny. “If a student wants to take three cameras out into the field,…

Crafton Hills College’s Summer Bridge Program transitions students from Adult School into college scholars

By CaliNews 3 weeks ago

More than two dozen students from local adult education institutions completed Crafton Hills College’s Summer Bridge Program, an online course designed to prepare students for a successful college experience. The program is part of Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), a state and college-funded program to uplift underrepresented and marginalized students and help them succeed in higher education. Most of the students in this year’s program were recent graduates of the Redlands Adult School and Yucaipa Adult School. Students who participated in the summer 2020 program had a slightly different experience than Bridge students in previous years, according to Counselor Arline Troncoza. Because of the restrictions placed on daily life and higher education due to COVID-19, students enrolled in this year’s program had more of an emphasis on digital literacy skills. “This year’s Adult Summer Bridge Program was a little different from prior years obviously because we couldn’t meet in person,” Troncoza said. ” But it was just as meaningful and impactful.” Modules within the course focused on traditional study skills like notetaking and time management but also reflected how the educational landscape has shifted…

CSUSB launches School of Entrepreneurship – first in California

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

With the start of the 2020 fall semester, California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) will launch the School of Entrepreneurship, the first of its kind in California. The unique program, one of less than 15 existing worldwide, will boost the university’s already highly successful entrepreneurship program. The School of Entrepreneurship, housed in the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, further places CSUSB as a leading entity in the growing field of entrepreneurship education, said Mike Stull, a professor of entrepreneurship and director of the university’s Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship, who will serve as the school’s director. “Establishing the School of Entrepreneurship is an important step for CSUSB and the Jack H. Brown College as it evolves and innovates to meet the needs of students and the local community,” said Stull. “We envision a substantial positive impact, as it will further cement the JHBC reputation as a leader in the field of entrepreneurship education and increase the college’s ability to engage with the local business community in terms of relationships, collaboration, and resources.” As a school of entrepreneurship, it will oversee and…

Colton Joint Unified School District recognized for sustainability efforts

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

The City of Colton recently recognized the Colton Joint Unified School District for its exemplary energy efficiency, recycling and water conservation efforts with the first City of Colton Sustainability Partners Award on Monday, Aug. 17. Pacific Rail Dismantling, Inc. was also a recipient. “I’m really proud of our facilities and energy management team who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we are doing everything we can to sustain energy and save our planet, and in the long term save much needed expenditures that go back into the classroom,” said CJUSD Superintendent Frank Miranda during the school board meeting last Thursday, August 20. Miranda recognized Energy Manager Jay Kim for securing over $1 million in grants/funding for district projects. According to City of Colton Environmental Conservation Supervisor Jessica Sutorus the award recognizes organizations that exhibit exemplary efforts in water, energy and recycling conservation, as well as participation in the city’s rebate programs. “It’s important to showcase the good and positive (undertakings) our local businesses are doing, who continue trying hard to do the right thing,” Sutorus said. CJUSD’s efforts include removing turf and retrofitting landscapes, installing…

Crafton Hills College Foundation receives grant from Inland SoCal United Way to support students impacted by COVID-19

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

The Crafton Hills College Foundation received a grant for $12,500 from Inland Southern California United Way to support Emergency Assistance funding for Crafton students impacted by COVID-19. Inland SoCal United Way was created through a merger of Inland Empire United Way and United Way of the Inland Valleys. Its COVID-19 fund was established to respond to the pandemic by relieving hardships for vulnerable working families, due to quarantine or disruption of income, and to support the coordination of community relief efforts. “We at Inland SoCal United Way are delighted to be able to award grants to local nonprofits like Crafton Hills College Foundation who are dedicated to supporting the individuals in our community,” said Lisa Wright, President of Inland SoCal United Way. “We understand that our new normal is a challenge, but Crafton Hills College Foundation is rising to that challenge and we are extraordinarily proud to be able to assist in their efforts.” The funds received by the CHC Foundation from Inland SoCal United Way will directly support students through emergency assistance grants. To be considered for the one-time funding of up to $500,…

Rialto school district tackles malware attack, pre-K – 8th grade instruction tentatively set to resume Aug. 31

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

On Friday, August 21, Rialto Unified School District was affected with a malware attack, resulting in the district shutting down its entire network and internet immediately after discovering the breach. Thousands of RUSD electronic devices issued to students, teachers and staff were possibly affected and all distance learning operations were instantly suspended. “Due to the malware attack on Friday, the district’s Information Technology team was forced to suspend the use of any district issued Windows device, which included laptops, desktops, Surface Pro’s, and Sonic touch displays,” said Syeda Jafri, RUSD Communications Director. “Since this malware is designed to damage our district’s computer devices, we had to make sure that we collect all the devices from students, staff and teachers.” Since the breach, the district has been working tirelessly to resolve the issue, in hopes of regaining virtual classroom instruction as soon as possible. “This week we dedicated our time to collecting thousands of our students,’ teachers’ and staff’s devices and replacing them. It is a large undertaking, but our priority is to secure all of our devices and continue the flow of education,” continued Jafri.…

Rialto school district and partners tackle malware attack, pre-K – 8th grade instruction tentatively set to resume Aug. 31

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

On Friday, August 21, Rialto Unified School District was affected with a malware attack, resulting in the district shutting down its entire network and internet immediately after discovering the breach. Thousands of RUSD electronic devices issued to students, teachers and staff were possibly affected and all distance learning operations were instantly suspended. Photo RUSD: Communication for resuming online instruction. Sitting and briefing with RUSD Chief Technology Officer Beth Ann Scantlebury, RUSD Superintendent Dr. Cuauhtémoc Avila accessed all district collected information on Sunday evening. “Due to the malware attack on Friday, the district’s Information Technology team was forced to suspend the use of any district issued Windows device, which included laptops, desktops, Surface Pro’s, and Sonic touch displays,” said Syeda Jafri, RUSD Communications Director. “Since this malware is designed to damage our district’s computer devices, we had to make sure that we collect all the devices from students, staff and teachers.” Since the breach, the district has been working tirelessly to resolve the issue, in hopes of regaining virtual classroom instruction as soon as possible. “This week we dedicated our time to collecting thousands of our students,’ teachers’…

Rialto school district and partners tackle malware attack, instruction tentatively set to resume Aug. 31

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

On Friday, August 21, Rialto Unified School District was affected with a malware attack, resulting in the district shutting down its entire network and internet immediately after discovering the breach. Thousands of RUSD electronic devices issued to students, teachers and staff were possibly affected and all distance learning operations were instantly suspended. Photo RUSD: Communication for resuming online instruction. Sitting and briefing with RUSD Chief Technology Officer Beth Ann Scantlebury, RUSD Superintendent Dr. Cuauhtémoc Avila accessed all district collected information on Sunday evening. “Due to the malware attack on Friday, the district’s Information Technology team was forced to suspend the use of any district issued Windows device, which included laptops, desktops, Surface Pro’s, and Sonic touch displays,” said Syeda Jafri, RUSD Communications Director. “Since this malware is designed to damage our district’s computer devices, we had to make sure that we collect all the devices from students, staff and teachers.” Since the breach, the district has been working tirelessly to resolve the issue, in hopes of regaining virtual classroom instruction as soon as possible. “This week we dedicated our time to collecting thousands of our students,’ teachers’…

Crafton Hills College Theatre Program to offer experience on stage, outside and on film

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

The Crafton Hills College (CHC) theatre program is preparing for a busy and educational semester with varied and unique opportunities, including productions on stage, on film and through virtual performances. To kick off the semester, CHC’s theatre program’s first production will be Dog Sees God, a comedy that reimagines the characters from the Peanuts franchise as disaffected teenagers. The program is accepting electronic submissions of monologues for Dog Sees God until August 26. The student club, a group that allows students who are not enrolled in a theatre program class to stay connected to the theatre, will begin meeting soon after the beginning of the semester as well. The second production in fall will be The Laramie Project, which tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a member of the LGBTQ community who was the victim of a vicious hate crime. The Laramie Project is a collaboration of the CHC theatre program, led by Paul Jacques, and the San Bernardino Valley College film program, led by Lucas Cuny. Once the cast is selected, virtual rehearsals will be held through Zoom before students are slated to come to campus in small, socially-distanced groups to film scenes…

A milestone fulfilled

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

On August 21, I joined the four percent rank of Latinos who have graduated with a master’s degree or higher in the United States. Through my research at California Baptist University, I became increasingly unsettled learning about the misrepresentation of Latinos in media and how our people are continuously marginalized in social spaces. Today, I dedicate this Master of Arts in Strategic Communication degree and journey to all of my hardworking LatinX people around the country, fighting to make the world a better place. Thank you to my Mom & Dad, all of my family and friends for inspiring me, motivating me and making my life so much fun. To God, you are the reason I am at this finish line, I will continue to use the gifts you’ve bestowed upon me, to assist others…for the rest of my life. The dream is never done. The post A milestone fulfilled appeared first on Inland Empire Community News.

Boys & Girls Clubs support distance learning

By CaliNews 4 weeks ago

Local students had their “first day of school” at Boys & Girls Clubs on Aug. 13 amid COVID-19 school campus closures. More than 60 students brought their electronic devices to the Club to log in to class. The kids were spaced apart in rooms throughout the Club, and Club staff helped with any issues that arose until the first day’s projects were finished. As the school year continues virtually, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside is offering distance learning support as long as needed. Club staff will make sure students keep to their school schedules, and feed them lunch. “We want to continue to be there for working parents, as we have the last few months, and help ensure that their kids are successful as they do distance learning,” said Club senior vice president Mark Davis. Kids can get help with certain subjects and homework support at the Club, along with fun activities like art and sports. They can also take advantage of the Club’s collection of books, including some donated by the Redlands Sunrise Rotary Club and UPS Stores. Safety measures for youth…

San Bernardino Valley College receives $75,000 in grants to support Clean Vehicle Technology Program, STEM scholarships

By CaliNews 1 month ago

Edison International recently awarded the San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Foundation $75,000 to support SBVC’s Clean Energy Hybrid and Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician Program and STEM scholarships for SBVC students. SBVC’s Clean Energy Hybrid/EV Technician Program grant award totaled $50,000. The goals of the program are to increase the availability of electric vehicle (EV) training, reach additional students who are interested in the training, and give students sought-after clean energy/EV skills that makes them more competitive for higher-wage job opportunities. The program also includes campus outreach activities, which consists of faculty attending career fairs at local high schools and community events, developing informational materials about the program, and disseminating the materials to promote electric/hybrid clean technology programs. Led by SBVC faculty chair of the Diesel Department, Berchman “Kenny” Melancon, faculty conducted community outreach in Winter 2019 and Spring 2020 at Redlands High School, Pacific High School and an event at the Fontana Speedway to promote SBVC’s clean energy programs. This outreach prioritized meetings with community members, high school counselors, students, and parents. One of the degree offerings being promoted through the program is the Heavy/Medium…