RCCD’s STEM Connect Program at RCC Places 227 Students in Paid Research Projects, Prepares for National Recognition

03/05/2025

Riverside City College (RCC), part of Riverside Community College District (RCCD), has made remarkable strides in advancing research opportunities for students in STEM fields. Over the past three summers, RCC’s STEM Connect program has placed 227 students in paid research projects at leading regional transfer universities.

Year-by-Year Research Placements:

• • • 2022: 54 students
    • 2023: 70 students
    • 2024: 103 students

The program began in 2022 with CSU San Bernardino as its sole partner, building upon an established relationship from a previous National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. By 2024, under the leadership of Luis H. Molina, RCC’s Project Manager for STEM Grants, the program expanded to include new research partnerships with UC Riverside and CSU Fullerton, increasing both capacity and visibility.

These fully funded placements allow RCC students to conduct hands-on research alongside university faculty mentors, with projects ranging from 1 week to 10 weeks. Students receive stipends of $500 to $4,000, depending on project length, while faculty mentors also receive stipends—all paid through RCC’s STEM Connect grants.

The program reflects RCCD’s broader commitment to providing equitable access to transformative educational experiences, particularly for underserved students in STEM fields. Through U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation grant funding, STEM Connect exemplifies the power of HSI-serving programs within the District.

To showcase the program’s success, Molina and RCC student Nadia Murrietta will present on STEM Connect’s innovative approach at the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) 17th Annual Best Practices Conference in Chicago this March. Nadia’s involvement not only demonstrates the program’s impact, but also provides her with professional development on a national platform.

As RCCD celebrates these achievements, Summer 2025 will bring further innovation with the introduction of a residential experience for RCC students participating in 1-week research projects at UC Riverside. These students will live in UCR dorms, with housing and meals fully covered by STEM Connect.

“STEM Connect is not only changing the educational journey for our students, but also helping them envision themselves as future researchers and professionals,” said Dr. Virginia White, Principal Investigator for STEM Connect. “This is exactly the type of innovative programming that demonstrates the strength and commitment of RCCD colleges to student success.”

Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications