California Corps Program to be Recognized by the Western Riverside Council of Governments
The California Corps Program at Moreno Valley College will be recognized during the Western Riverside Council of Governments’ 32nd Annual General Assembly & Leadership Conference on June 29 at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.
The purpose of the Western Riverside Council of Governments is to unify Western Riverside County so that it can speak with a collective voice on important issues. Representatives from 18 cities, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, and the Eastern and Western municipal water districts have seats on the association’s executive committee, and the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools is an ex-officio member. The organization works on issues related to growth and other regional matters important to the area’s future.
Done in partnership with #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, the three colleges — Moreno Valley, Norco and Riverside City — provide up to fifty students service opportunities in community organizations such as food banks, climate action organizations, post-carceral services, and K-12 schools. At the beginning of the fall 2022 term 50 Riverside Community College District students, 10 from Moreno Valley College, were selected to participate in the program which is designed to provide support and learn from community-based not-for-profit agencies. Moreno Valley College students focused on three priority areas: K-12 education, climate action, and food insecurity.
Students must commit to a total of 450 service hours during the academic year and actively participate in training, meetings and weekly seminars. Students receive a monthly allowance throughout the service term, plus an education award — up to $10,000 — paid upon completion of service hours. The program offers students job experience and communication and leadership skills as well as access to training, networking, and professional development opportunities. The program also offers individuals the opportunity to connect with fellows across the state via a virtual community platform and in-person regional events.
“Addressing food insecurities by working at Monty's Market at MVC has been nothing but creating everlasting memories,” Victoria Gonzales said. “I gained experiences that I never thought I would. Being a part of the program has helped me grow and be a better version of myself. I don't have specific words to describe the people, the environment and the service that we do, because what we do is what I love the most about my days.”
The Corps Program at Moreno Valley College was nominated by Elena Baca-Santa Cruz for the program’s positive effect.
“I am honored to be nominated by Baca-Santa Cruz, a city of Moreno Valley council member, for this year's General Assembly Community Service Award,” said Frankie Moore, professor, Student Activities, who oversees the College’s program. “It is sincerely appreciated to be recognized for services we provide to our community. Council Member Baca-Santa Cruz witnessed our students’ participation at the Community Days of Service for the city of Moreno Valley and thanked us for volunteering, and we now thank her for this nomination.”