NC Workshops Help Students Turn Interests Into Career Opportunities

Norco College students explored new ways to turn their interests into potential career opportunities through two summer workshops focused on entrepreneurship and practical skills.

The Student Success Challenge Mini Grant was awarded to the Disability Resource Center and Promoting Achievable College Transitions (PACT) for the PACT Pathways project. While the workshops were open to all Norco College students, the project’s primary goal was to support neurodivergent students and students with disabilities by providing opportunities to develop practical life skills while exploring career possibilities.

Turning Talents Into Microbusinesses

The idea for the Microbusiness Workshop grew from conversations with Norco College students interested in creative fields, including animation, photography, ceramics, and other areas of the arts. Many students were already developing skills and creating work as hobbies, prompting an opportunity to introduce them to entrepreneurship as a way to turn their talents into employment opportunities.

Held July 21, the workshop featured Ashley Haggarty, director of educational programs at Portview Preparatory School and founder of ASD Consulting Network. Haggarty has experience developing transition programs that promote independence and employment readiness.

Her interactive Microbusiness 101 workshop introduced students to the idea of building a small business around a hobby or talent. Students learned practical steps for getting started, strategies for interacting with customers, and resources to help them continue pursuing their goals.

Students also heard from local business owners Brunson K. Delves and Gabriel Baxter, founders of Project Hero X, along with members of their team. Founded by professional stunt performers with experience in live shows, television, and film, Project Hero X provides performances and youth empowerment programming for K–12 schools and colleges.

The team combined an inspiring presentation on entrepreneurship, perseverance, and pursuing one's passion with a live stunt demonstration. Students also participated in a guided vision board activity designed to help them visualize their future goals and identify steps toward achieving them.

The workshop was open to all Norco College students and received positive feedback from participants, many of whom left feeling inspired by the possibilities of turning their interests into something more.

Building Skills in the Kitchen

The college's PACT program also partnered with Riverside City College Culinary to host a Baking Basics workshop July 24 at the RCC Culinary Academy in Downtown Riverside.

Eight Norco College students participated in the hands-on workshop, which provided an opportunity to build practical life skills while exploring a potential career pathway in the culinary field.

Chef Maricella Aguirre guided students through the process of making shortbread cookies, with each student working at an individual workstation. The hands-on experience allowed students to learn fundamental baking techniques while gaining a firsthand look at the skills and environment involved in culinary careers.

Together, the workshops provided students with opportunities to explore different pathways, develop practical skills, and consider how their interests can translate into future educational and employment opportunities.

For more information on the RCCD PACT program, visit PACT: Promoting Achievable College Transitions.