RCCD Joins Regional Leaders to First-Ever Financial Aid Launch Party in The Inland Empire
10/16/2025
Riverside Community College District (RCCD) joined regional leaders, educators, students, and local media outlets on October 8 at KVCR Public Media. This event marked the Inland Empire’s first-ever launch party dedicated to financial aid, introducing the Cash for College campaign, an initiative created to raise awareness of available financial aid and ensure students and families have access to the resources they need as living costs continue to rise.
The event, hosted by the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) in partnership with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), marks the official start of the 2025–26 financial aid cycle, which opened October 1. Students across California are now encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application before the March 2, 2026 state priority deadline.
Representing RCCD, Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, PhD, emphasized the central role financial aid plays in helping students access transformative education and career pathways.
“At our colleges, students train to be nurses, teachers, and skilled professionals—people our communities depend on every day,” said Government Relations Director, LaShe Rodriguez. “Financial aid is how families take that step forward—opening the door to education, good jobs, and a better life for the next generation.”
The Inland Empire effort highlights both urgency and opportunity. According to CSAC, while approximately 44,000 high school seniors in Riverside and San Bernardino counties applied for financial aid last year, nearly 30% did not, leaving millions of dollars in aid unclaimed. The Cash for College campaign is intended to close that gap by offering free in-person and online workshops to help families navigate the process.
RCCD leaders joined elected officials, higher education partners, and community representatives in calling for early applications and full participation from local families. RCCD will continue to encourage their students to apply for financial aid at Moreno Valley College, Norco College, and Riverside City College, ensuring that Inland Empire students receive step-by-step support to complete their applications.
The launch event featured remarks from Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assemblymember Leticia Castillo, CSAC Executive Director Daisy Gonzales, SBCCD Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez, and other educational leaders, underscoring the broad regional commitment to making higher education affordable and accessible.
Families and students can learn more and find upcoming workshops at IECashForCollege.org or CSAC.ca.gov.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications