Dr. Monica Green, President of Norco College, highlighted the college's commitment to advancing access, success, and equity for high school and justice-involved youth at the Vision 2030: Advancing Access, Success & Equity for High School and Justice-Involved Youth conference. The two-day event, hosted by Riverside City College (RCC) in collaboration with the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO), aimed to explore the transformative potential of dual enrollment programs in the Inland Empire (IE) region.
Dr. Green participated as a panelist alongside colleagues, including Joseph Williams, Trustee of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, Catalina Cifuentes, Executive Director of Riverside County Office of Education, and Elisa Judy, Chief Deputy Probation Officer of Riverside County. Moderating the panel was Dr. Adrienne Grayson, RCC Associate Dean of Educational Partnerships.
During the panel discussion, Dr. Green shared Norco College's efforts in expanding
dual enrollment opportunities despite challenges such as textbook costs and scheduling
limitations with partner institutions like the Corona-Norco Unified School District
(CNUSD). She emphasized the significant growth in dual enrollment numbers, with a
remarkable 18% increase from Fall 2022 to Fall 2023, reaching a total enrollment of
989 students. Despite these achievements, Dr. Green acknowledged the need for more
faculty involvement in converting educational materials to Open Educational Resources
(OER) and securing funding for faculty stipends.
Tyee Griffith, Associate Dean of Educational Partnerships at Norco College, served as the event's Master of Ceremonies and shared her inspiring journey from being a justice-involved youth at age 15 to her current position as an academic leader. Her story served as an inspiration for other youth facing similar challenges and for those working with justice-impacted youth. Griffith also led an impactful workshop on day two of the conference.
"We are proud of Norco College's ongoing commitment to expanding access and opportunities for high school students, particularly those from underserved communities," stated Dr. Green. "Events like Vision 2030 provide invaluable platforms for collaboration and innovation, driving us closer to our shared goal of educational equity."
Vision 2030, held on March 14 and 15, brought together educational leaders, practitioners, and students to discuss the role of dual enrollment in fostering access, success, and equity. Participants engaged in strategic discussions, workshops, and panels to enhance support systems for high school students, including justice-involved youth. Norco College was proud to participate in this State Chancellor's Office Initiative.