President Besikof Joins Statewide Financial Aid Initiative Launch
On Oct. 8, regional education leaders convened at KVCR Public Media in San Bernardino for the Inland Empire’s inaugural Cash for College launch, with Moreno Valley College President Rudy Besikof joining Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac.
The launch, hosted by the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) in partnership with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), marked the start of the 2026–27 financial aid cycle. Students and families were encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application ahead of the March 2, 2026, state priority deadline.
Speakers included Sen. Eloise Gomez Reyes, Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo, CSAC Executive Director Daisy Gonzales, and SBCCD Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez. Gonzales highlighted the state’s investment in students, saying, “That means the state of California is investing $4 billion... Today I am in the Inland Empire to tell you that your dreams are possible.”
According to CSAC, roughly 44,000 high school seniors in Riverside and San Bernardino counties applied for financial aid last year, leaving nearly 30% of eligible students without funding. The campaign aims to reach these students and their families through free workshops, both in person and online, helping them complete applications and access available resources.
RCCD Government Relations Director LaShe’ Rodriguez said, “At our colleges, students train to be nurses, teachers, and skilled professionals—people our communities depend on every day. 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 event received coverage from NBC4 Los Angeles, Southern California News Group outlets, Inland Empire Community News, and KVCR Public Media. Students and families can watch NBC4’s segment and find more information about upcoming workshops at iecashforcollege.org and csac.ca.gov.