RCCD WED Networks and Shares Workforce Training Resources at the Corona Chamber of Commerce – Business Expo

08/26/2026

On August 18, 2026, staff from the Riverside Community College District (RCCD) Office of Workforce and Economic Development, along with initiatives UpSkill RCCD (Jason Kennedy - Director Workforce and Economic Development Projects, and Veronica Mendoza - Student Success Coordinator) and the Inland Empire Tech Bridge (Robert Mason, Director, Inland Empire Tech Bridge), participated in the Corona Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. Hosted at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona, the networking event brought together local business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to explore regional growth, economic opportunities, and business development.

Staffing an exhibition table, the RCCD team engaged with local employers and partners to detail customized workforce training programs designed to boost business competitiveness and address regional skills gaps. A key focus of the discussion was RCCD’s UpSkill initiative, which leverages funding from the California Employment Training Panel (ETP). Through ETP offset funding, RCCD helps California companies upskill incumbent workers in critical areas, including but not limited to advanced technical and AI skills, continuous improvement, leadership/supervision, project management, and digital literacy—significantly reducing out-of-pocket training costs for employers.

In addition to workforce upskilling, representatives highlighted the Inland Empire Tech Bridge. Operating in partnership with regional research institutions and defense sector stakeholders, the Tech Bridge initiative supports local businesses by connecting them to government contracting opportunities, technology transfer, and commercialization resources.

"Events like the Corona Business Expo offer a direct channel to listen to regional employers and deliver high-impact workforce solutions," said Jason Kennedy, Director, WED Projects at RCCD. "Whether helping an employer fund worker training via ETP or connecting innovative businesses to defense tech opportunities, our goal at RCCD is to drive regional economic mobility and support business growth."

By maintaining an active visual presence at regional business expos, RCCD continues to reinforce its role as a key education and workforce partner in economic development across the Inland Empire region.

For more info about the RCCD UpSkill program, visit https://wed.rccd.edu/upSkill.html

Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications