INLAND ENGINEERING PATHWAYS PARTNERSHIP
| Lead Subaward Institution: Norco College | Pathway: Engineering |
| Date Funded: July 2024 |Amount Awarded: $999,998 | Project Completion: June 2028 |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Inland Engineering Pathways Partnership (IEPP) strengthens the regional engineering pathway by connecting K–12 students, Norco College, UC Riverside, and industry partners. The project focuses on three primary areas: Career Awareness & Exploration, Interinstitutional Collaboration, and Student Outreach & Support. Through collaboration with Corona-Norco Unified School District, Jurupa Unified School District, Norco College, and UC Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering, students receive support as they progress from high school through community college and toward four-year engineering programs.
At Norco College, students gain exposure to engineering careers through industry guest speakers while receiving academic support through embedded tutoring in challenging STEM courses. The partnership also provides engineering pathway outreach during K–12 campus visits and connects Norco College students with UC Riverside advisors through in-person advising at the Transfer Center. These efforts help students better understand engineering careers, academic requirements, and transfer opportunities.
The project further strengthens the pathway through collaborative events and hands-on experiences. Partner institutions came together for the IEPP Transfer Pathways Summit at Jurupa Valley High School, while Norco College students participated in UCR’s IGNITE Student Development Conference to connect with engineering alumni, industry professionals, faculty, and transfer students. High school students also visited Norco College for engineering-focused tours, presentations, and STEM activities.
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
“The Inland Engineering Pathways Partnership helps students turn an interest in engineering into a path forward, connecting hands-on exploration, academic support, and opportunities from high school through university transfer.”
PROJECT IMPACT
The Inland Engineering Pathways Partnership is creating a more connected route into engineering education and careers for Inland Empire students. By linking high schools with Norco College, UC Riverside, and industry, students gain access to academic support, career exposure, mentorship, and transfer guidance at multiple stages of their education. These experiences help students build stronger connections to engineering while preparing them to successfully transition from high school to community college and ultimately to four-year engineering programs.
Strengthened the high school-to-university engineering pathway through the IEPP Transfer Pathways Summit at Jurupa Valley High School.
Expanded transfer and career exposure through UCR advising and participation in the Bourns College of Engineering IGNITE Student Development Conference.
Expanded student academic and career support through embedded STEM tutoring, engineering outreach, and industry professional presentations.
KEY MILESTONES
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Supporting engineering students. Expanding STEM opportunities.
Engineering Pathway Students
Norco College students served through the Engineering Pathway.
Jurupa USD Students
Jurupa Unified School District students served.
IGNITE Conference Invitations
Norco College students invited to UCR's IGNITE Student Development Conference.
PROJECT PARTNERS
This work is made possible thanks to the support of these and many additional regional partners.
