PROMOTING ACHIEVABLE COLLEGE TRANSITIONS (PACT)
| Lead Subaward Institution: Riverside Community College District | Pathway: Business, Education, Engineering, Health |
| Date Funded: January 2024 | |Amount Awarded: $1,000,000 | Project Completion: June 2027 |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Riverside Community College District’s Promoting Achievable College Transitions (PACT) project supports autistic and other neurodivergent students as they transition into college and work toward their educational and career goals. Through collaboration with local school districts, campus resource centers, and community partners, PACT provides individualized guidance at Riverside City, Moreno Valley, and Norco colleges.
Student Success Coaches help participants navigate college applications, enrollment, campus resources, and academic expectations. Ongoing case management and regular check-ins connect students with support as their needs evolve, helping them build self-advocacy skills and confidence in navigating college.
Workshops, social skills programming, wellness activities, and peer connections complement academic support and foster belonging. Career exploration, professional readiness activities, and connections with employment resources help students prepare for opportunities beyond college.
By coordinating support from high school transition through college participation, PACT helps reduce barriers, strengthen persistence, and create more accessible pathways into continued education and employment.
Recovery with Equity Strategies: Cultivate inclusive, engaging and equity-oriented learning environments; Retain students through inclusive support; Provide high-tech, high touch advising; Support college preparation and early credit
“PACT is building the foundation for sustained, systemic support that will positively impact the success and retention of neurodiverse students in higher education.” - Michael Peterson, RCCD
PROJECT IMPACT
Riverside Community College District’s PACT project has expanded access to postsecondary education and career pathways for neurodiverse students through individualized academic support, career exploration, and inclusive learning opportunities. The project demonstrated promising student outcomes, with PACT participants achieving an 81% course success rate compared to the districtwide average of 72%, highlighting the value of targeted support in promoting student success and persistence.
198 students supported through college transition and retention services.
Expanded student workshops focused on campus resources, enrollment navigation, and self-advocacy.
Launched a partnership with Phenix Gateway to expand career transition support.
KEY MILESTONES
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Supporting students. Strengthening college transitions.
Students Supported
Students supported through PACT college-transition and retention services.
Students Transitioned to College
Students transitioned to college through college-transition services during the pilot period.
Secondary Institutions Represented
Secondary institutions represented within PACT's pilot cohort.
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The faces of those that want to see students succeed
Take a look at the industry professionals supporting Neurodivergent and Alternately Abled students at the Career & Workforce Conference.
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Neurodivergent and Alternately Abled Career & Workforce Conference
Students had the opportunity to connect with and learn from industry professionals through valuable workshops.
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Speak Up & Succeed
Neurodivergent students learn how to navigate through college with skills like communication and self-advocacy.
PROJECT PARTNERS
This work is made possible thanks to the support of these and many additional regional partners.
