STEM/NURSING FAST TRACK
| Lead Subaward Institution: Riverside Unified School District | Pathway: Healthcare |
| Date Funded: July 2024 | |Amount Awarded: $999,952 | Project Completion: June 2027 |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Riverside Unified School District’s STEM/Nursing Fast Track project connects high school students with college coursework, practical learning, and career exploration to prepare them for nursing and healthcare careers. In partnership with Riverside City College (RCC) and Riverside Free Clinic, the project strengthens pathways from high school into postsecondary education while expanding equitable access to early college opportunities.
Students participate in RCC lectures and laboratories, earn college credit, and explore healthcare settings through clinic observations and visits to nursing programs. These experiences connect academic learning with patient care and help students understand the educational steps toward careers in nursing.
Transportation, textbooks, course materials, tutoring, and counseling help students participate and persist. Family information sessions and collaboration among high school and college staff further support students as they navigate coursework and plan their next steps.
By combining early college access, healthcare experiences, and coordinated student support, the project helps students build a foundation for further education and contributes to developing the region’s future nursing workforce.
Recovery with Equity Strategies: Cultivate inclusive, engaging and equity-oriented learning environments; Support college preparation and early credit
“We want students to see a future for themselves in nursing and have the support to pursue it. This partnership connects early college learning with healthcare experiences, helping them take their next steps with confidence.”
PROJECT IMPACT
The STEM/Nursing Fast Track project has expanded access to college coursework and healthcare career preparation for Riverside Unified School District students. Transportation, textbooks, tutoring, and coordinated advising help reduce barriers to participation, while RCC laboratories and Riverside Free Clinic visits connect learning with healthcare practice. Graduating pathway students continued toward healthcare-related education including RCC’s nursing program and nursing or medical degrees at four-year universities. These outcomes demonstrate the project’s role in connecting high school learning with continued education and the region’s future healthcare workforce.
34% participation Spring course participation from 2025 to 2026.
Continued transportation to RCC lectures and laboratories and visits to nursing programs and Riverside Free Clinic.
Provided required textbooks, course materials, transportation, and academic support.
KEY MILESTONES
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Regional Healthcare Pathway impact across the Inland Empire K–16 Education Collaborative.
Students Served
Students served through K–16 Healthcare Pathway programs across the Inland Empire.
Work-Based Learning
Students participating in hands-on healthcare learning experiences across regional pathway projects.
Dual Enrollment Students
Students enrolled in dual enrollment courses through regional Healthcare Pathway initiatives.
Source: Inland Empire Regional K–16 Education Collaborative, August 2026 Narrative Report. Figures reflect regional Healthcare Pathway outcomes across multiple funded projects, including the RCC–RUSD STEM/Nursing Fast Track Project, and are not exclusive to RUSD.
PROJECT PARTNERS
This work is made possible thanks to the support of these and many additional regional partners.
