Norco College Receives $25,000 Grant from Edison International Foundation to Boost STEM Education

12/12/2024

The Edison International Foundation has awarded Norco College (NC) a $25,000 grant to support initiatives that enhance student engagement and transfer preparation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This funding marks the second time Edison International has awarded grants to all three colleges in the Riverside Community College District (RCCD) within the same year, highlighting the strong partnership between RCCD and Edison International.

“Norco College is grateful for Edison International Foundation’s generous support,” said Monica Green, Ed.D., president of Norco College. “We are excited to strengthen our support for STEM students through workshops, conferences, and collaborative initiatives that will prepare them for university transfer and future careers.”

The grant will fund workshops hosted by Norco College’s Transfer Center, Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program, and other specialized programs. These workshops will introduce tools such as the UC Transfer Admission Planner (UC TAP) and CSU Transfer Planner to guide students through the transfer process. Additionally, the grant will enable STEM students to attend well-known conferences like the NDiSTEM Conference and the Great Minds in STEM Conference, providing opportunities for research, internships, and networking.

Through these initiatives, Norco College aims to achieve measurable outcomes, including:

• • • Hosting targeted transfer and application workshops for 160 STEM students.
    • Conducting a STEM Expo and Transfer & Career Fair for 350 high school students and parents.
    • Sponsoring 15 STEM students to attend professional conferences.

Karina Gigliotti, Ed.D., director of grants, spearheaded the proposal at Norco College, providing critical leadership and strategic planning to secure the funding.

The college’s focus on STEM education aligns with the goals of the RCCD Educational Master Plan, which include closing student equity gaps, reducing working poverty, and fostering collaborative partnerships. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Norco College serves a diverse student population, with STEM majors comprising over 50% of its enrollment.

This year, Edison International has committed a total of $75,000 to RCCD colleges. In addition to the Norco College grant, Riverside City College (RCC) received $25,000 for its STEM Connect program, which supports university transfer and high school engagement in STEM. Moreno Valley College (MVC) was awarded $25,000 for its Fire Technology program, funding critical equipment and training for future firefighters.

“Edison International’s generous support has had a substantial impact on RCCD,” said Jeffry Kaatz, DMA, executive director of the RCCD Foundation. “Their commitment to our students’ success is a valuable partnership that prioritizes education and workforce readiness.”

The grants, running from January 1 to December 30, 2025, reflect Edison International’s long-standing support for RCCD. To date, they have given RCCD over $500,000.

To learn more about Norco College STEM and the resources offered to students, visit https://www.norcocollege.edu/mesa/stem-academic-resources.html

Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications