RCCD and 100 BMIE to Expand Noncredit Leadership and Professional Development Opportunities

10/15/2025

Riverside Community College District (RCCD) has partnered with the 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire (BMIE) to provide innovative noncredit courses that open doors for lifelong learning, workforce development, online learning, and leadership training. The initiative reflects RCCD’s mission to ensure that education is both accessible and transformative, while also supporting the 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire’s commitment to mentoring and community empowerment.

The online program launched at Moreno Valley College with a series of professional development courses designed to strengthen skills in negotiation, conflict resolution, and customer service. These courses are free to the public and open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering flexible online learning, no-cost opportunities for career and personal growth.

David Morrow, Ed.D., President of the 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire, emphasized how aligned the partnership is with the organization’s mission.

“Our mission aligns closely with this initiative,” said Morrow. “By creating no-cost opportunities for community members to engage in leadership training, we not only uplift African American students but also foster models of leadership and community building that can be replicated nationwide. This collaboration has the potential for long-term impact—improving communication, increasing access, and creating leaders within communities that might otherwise be overlooked.”

For Morrow, the partnership is about more than curriculum, it is about building lasting connections. The courses encourage dialogue between the college and the community, creating feedback loops that allow new ideas, such as asynchronous online offerings or technology access workshops for seniors, to take root.

The collaboration builds on past successes between RCCD and the 100 BMIE, including a highly successful STEM camp at Riverside City College that brought 80 local youth to campus. The organization has also committed to continuing scholarship support for Umoja students across RCCD’s three colleges: Moreno Valley, Norco, and Riverside City.

Shawna BuShell, Ed.D., Dean of Educational Services and Distance Learning, noted how the leadership program grew directly out of community dialogue and the need for online resources.

“This leadership program was born from a simple but powerful question: ‘How can we help?’” said BuShell. “We looked at our community’s needs and designed online courses that could provide immediate, practical solutions. The beauty of noncredit is that it removes barriers—there’s no cost, and the classes are flexible. That makes education a true resource for the whole community.”

Currently, The courses are facilitated by Camille Perry, Associate Faculty member, whose teaching philosophy is rooted in collaboration and equity. For Perry, noncredit courses are more than just lessons—they are opportunities for empowerment.

“Partnership and collaboration are my favorite words, and this program embodies both,” Perry said. “Noncredit education provides free, accessible opportunities for individuals who may not otherwise pursue higher education. It’s not only about professional growth—it’s about showing our students and their families that learning never stops. When young people see their parents studying, it inspires them to pursue their own education.”

Perry has witnessed students from diverse backgrounds learning together, from local business leaders to community members looking to re-enter the workforce. “Education can sometimes feel elitist,” she added. “But these courses show that everyone deserves access to high-quality learning, regardless of age, background, or income.”

The partnership also looks to the future by identifying areas of workforce demand, such as cybersecurity and technology, that could be integrated into future course offerings.

Dean Eric Anthony, Dean of Instruction, Career and Technical Education at Moreno Valley College, explained the value of noncredit programs in bridging education and workforce needs.

“Noncredit programs give lifelong learners the chance to reskill or upskill without financial burden,” Anthony said. “Whether it’s exploring cybersecurity, customer service, or leadership, these courses create pathways to new careers and build stronger, more resilient communities. Our role is to make education not only accessible but transformative.”

The RCCD and the 100 BMIE partnership is part of a broader vision to build leaders at every level of the community. By providing accessible education, encouraging intergenerational learning, and supporting students through scholarships and mentoring, the program is creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom.

“This is more than a program,” Perry added. “It’s a movement of leaders, educators, and community members coming together to ensure everyone has the chance to grow, thrive, and lead.”

As RCCD and the 100 BMIE continue to expand their collaboration, the program serves as a model for how colleges and community organizations can partner to meet people where they are, remove barriers, and cultivate leadership for the future.

Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications