RCCD Students Sweep LAUNCH Pre-Apprenticeship Signing During Advancing California Apprenticeship Summit

10/13/2025

Riverside Community College District (RCCD) students swept the stage at the Advancing California Apprenticeship Summit held October 7–9 at the Riverside Convention Center. The LAUNCH Apprenticeship Commitment Day Ceremony brought together students, families, and educational leaders to celebrate the signing of new apprentices across multiple high-demand career pathways.

With students from Riverside City College, Moreno Valley College, and Norco College, RCCD made one of the strongest showings of the day, underscoring its leadership in expanding “earn as you learn” opportunities across the Inland Empire.

RCCD Student Signers

• • • Dallanara Edeza, Hawkeye Pre-Apprentice Graduate, Moreno Valley College — Social & Human Services Apprentice Candidate
    • Maria Marin, RCOE Pre-Apprentice Graduate, Norco College — Education Apprentice Candidate
    • Andryna Mughannem, RCOE Pre-Apprentice Graduate, Riverside City College — Education Apprentice Candidate
    • Gonzalo Guzman, RCOE Pre-Apprentice Graduate, Riverside City College — Automotive Apprentice Candidate
    • Brooke Yonkey, Springs Charter Pre-Apprentice Graduate, Riverside City College — Licensed Vocational Nurse Apprentice Candidate
    • Jocelyn Valenzuela Razo, RCOE Pre-Apprentice Graduate, Riverside City College — Licensed Vocational Nurse Apprentice Candidate
    • Maria Torres, Springs Charter Pre-Apprentice Graduate, Riverside City College — Licensed Vocational Nurse Apprentice Candidate
    • Mitzy Medina, Hawkeye Pre-Apprentice Graduate, Riverside City College — Licensed Vocational Nurse Apprentice Candidate
    • Stephanie Coronado, Springs Charter Pre-Apprentice Graduate, Riverside City College — Licensed Vocational Nurse Apprentice Candidate

In total, RCCD celebrated seven signers from Riverside City College, one from Moreno Valley College, and one from Norco College, marking a strong presence across four apprenticeship fields.

For many families, the apprenticeships are transformational. Vanessa Yonkey, parent of RCC student Brooke Yonkey, described the program as life-changing:

“Growing up I felt like a student in the chair. The opportunities always existed but didn’t have as much foundation that it has now. My daughter and I found the right fit. She has received high-quality, hands-on experience here at RCC. She explained that she would be getting paid for working, and I had to see it to believe it. She’s being compensated for learning and doing what she loves. Thank you for believing and creating programs like earn as you learn.”

For students, apprenticeships provide a pathway to both education and financial stability. Gonzalo Guzman, an RCC Automotive Apprentice, reflected on his journey:

“I joined the apprenticeship program at RCC a few weeks after high school. I was kind of lost, but I knew I wanted to continue to learn. ‘Earn as you learn’ made it possible. It reminded me how important it is to leave your comfort zone and network. This program helped me with my next steps. From here I’ll be continuing my education. Thank you RCOE and the LAUNCH Program — and a special shout out to Boyd for making the program what it is.”

RCCD leaders emphasized how apprenticeships are reshaping workforce development and education across the region:

Rosalinda Rivas, Apprenticeship Director at Moreno Valley College, said: “At Moreno Valley College, we believe in ‘You Belong.’ Apprenticeship embodies that promise by placing students at the center — giving them hands-on skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. Through collaboration with LAUNCH, Hawkeye, our RCCD colleges, and our employer partners, we are building pathways where students not only learn, but also belong, thrive, and transform their futures. Today’s signings show what is possible when we come together with a shared vision for student success.”

Ashley Etchison, Dean of Instruction at Norco College, added: “When students step into apprenticeship, they gain more than just skills — they gain confidence, belonging, and purpose. Watching Norco College students commit to careers in early childhood education through apprenticeship shows the power of these pathways to change lives and communities.”

John Wilson, Apprenticeship Director at Riverside City College, said: “Apprenticeship is about creating meaningful bridges between education and the workforce. At RCC, we’re proud to see our students not only signing on but excelling in fields like automotive, healthcare, IT Support/Cyber Security and education. They are paving the way for the next generation of earn-and-learn opportunities.”

Jason Kennedy, Director of Workforce and Economic Development Projects for RCCD, highlighted the regional impact: “The Apprenticeship Summit and LAUNCH Commitment Day are proof of what happens when colleges, schools, and employers come together with a shared vision. These signings represent economic mobility for students and a stronger, future-ready workforce for our region.”

Regional Commitment

The Summit highlighted the region’s dedication to connecting youth with meaningful employment and career ladders. Participating colleges and programs included:

• • • Chaffey College: Automotive (4 signers)
    • Moreno Valley College: Social & Human Services Assistant (1 signer)
    • Norco College: Early Childhood Education (1 signer)
    • Riverside City College: Automotive (1 signer), Early Childhood Education (2 signers), Licensed Vocational Nurse (4 signers)
    • San Bernardino Valley College: Pharmacy Technician (1 signer), Social & Human Services Assistant (1 signer)

Following the ceremony, guests toured RCCD colleges, where they experienced firsthand the innovative programs, dedicated faculty, and modern facilities that make the district a central hub for apprenticeship training in the Inland Empire. In addition to campus tours, attendees engaged in panels and discussions featuring students who have successfully transitioned into the workforce through apprenticeship pathways. These conversations showcased the real-world impact of RCCD’s programs, highlighting stories of perseverance, skill-building, and career advancement that serve as inspiration for future apprentices. The experience reinforced RCCD’s leadership in advancing apprenticeship as both an educational strategy and an economic driver for the region.

About RCCD

Riverside Community College District, serving more than 50,000 students annually at Moreno Valley College, Norco College, and Riverside City College is committed to advancing equity and opportunity through innovative pathways like apprenticeship, workforce development, and transfer preparation.

Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications