Norco College (NC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $2,995,765 Title V grant to fund the Échale Ganas initiative. This five-year project, aimed at significantly increasing the academic success of Hispanic/Latinx and low-income students, will enable Norco College to enhance institutional capacity, provide culturally responsive support, and improve student outcomes across various measures of success.

The Échale Ganas project will help Norco College transform from a Hispanic-enrolling institution into a Hispanic-serving institution by addressing key barriers that prevent students from achieving their educational goals. The program is tailored to meet the unique needs of the college’s highly diverse population, where over 58% of students are Hispanic/Latinx and 64% receive need-based financial aid.

The program will focus on key activities designed to foster student engagement, persistence, and completion. Among the initiatives are:

• Outreach programs targeted to Hispanic/Latinx students and their families.
• Enhanced use of financial aid resources to offer two years of free education.
• A Summer Bridge Program to ease the transition from high school to college for Hispanic/Latinx students.
• A comprehensive First Year Plus experience featuring educational advising, career exploration, and transfer support.
• Faculty professional development focused on improving outcomes in first-year math and English courses.

The Échale Ganas initiative is designed to achieve measurable outcomes, including increased Hispanic/Latinx enrollment, persistence from the first to second semester and from the first to second year, completion of transfer-level math and English in the first year, and transfer rates to four-year institutions.

Dr. Monica Green, President of Norco College, praised the grant as a transformative opportunity for the institution:

"The Title V Échale Ganas grant marks a pivotal moment in Norco College’s journey to truly serve our Hispanic/Latinx and low-income students. This grant will allow us to make significant strides in eliminating barriers to success and providing the resources our students need to excel. We are committed to fostering an environment where every student can achieve their full potential, and Échale Ganas will be the catalyst for that change."

This grant was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Gustavo Oceguera and Kurrinn Abrams, who worked tirelessly to secure funding. The Échale Ganas initiative will run from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 over the course of the five-year grant period.

Over the next five years, the college will receive $599,000 annually from The U.S. Education Department (ED) to support students from the Hispanic community, as stated by the CCDaily News. This significant funding will be directed towards initiatives that aid in overcoming academic and financial barriers, ensuring that Hispanic/Latinx students are better supported throughout their educational journey. The funding comes as a crucial resource for the institution, given its diverse student body and the financial challenges faced by a large portion of its community.

The college’s student demographics mirror the surrounding region, with Hispanic/Latinx students representing over 58% of the student population in the 2021-2022 academic year. However, 64% of students rely on need-based financial aid, and only 16% attend full-time, which presents significant obstacles to academic success. Many students, particularly those who are low-income, first-generation college attendees, or both, face additional challenges due to the demands of balancing work, home responsibilities, and school. Without sufficient support, this juggling act can often lead to postponed or even abandoned educational pursuits.

About Norco College

Norco College is a public, two-year institution located in Riverside County, California, dedicated to serving the region’s diverse population. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, NC is committed to providing equitable access to higher education, fostering academic excellence, and empowering students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Norco College is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, an annual tradition that honors the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities to our nation. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the college will join the nationwide celebration, offering events and programs that highlight the vibrancy, diversity, and strength of our Hispanic community.

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Norco College is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity, understanding, and unity among our diverse student body and the surrounding communities.

Stay up to date on all the exciting events and activities celebrating cultural heritage months at Norco College by visiting our DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) committee webpage. You can explore a variety of resources, including special Zoom backgrounds that reflect the spirit of each heritage month. These backgrounds are a great way to show your support and engage with the community, whether you’re attending virtual classes or meetings. Visit DEIA committee to download your Zoom backgrounds and learn more about our ongoing cultural celebrations.

 

 

Event Details for Hispanic Heritage Month

 

Date: October 3, 2024 

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

Location: Norco College Amphitheater 

Free Food: Enjoy traditional dishes from Mexico, El Salvador, and Argentina.

Live Performances: Experience the beauty and energy of Baile Folklórico and Danza Azteca.

 

This event serves as an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and the community to come together to celebrate the diverse Hispanic cultures that enrich our campus. Attendees will be treated to traditional dishes from Mexico, El Salvador, and Argentina, representing the culinary diversity that spans Latin America. From savory tacos to delicious empanadas, there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

The celebration will also feature captivating performances by local groups, including a Baile Folklórico troupe that will showcase traditional Mexican dances, and a Danza Azteca group, offering a mesmerizing performance rooted in the ancient traditions of the Aztec civilization.

Norco College President Dr. Monica Green shared, “Hispanic Heritage Month is an important time for reflection and celebration, especially for our college and community. We are committed to celebrating the cultures, histories, and contributions of the Hispanic community, which play a vital role in shaping not only our college but the future of our nation.”

As a community dedicated to embracing diversity, Norco College recognizes the significance of honoring Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a time to reflect on the historical contributions of Hispanic leaders, artists, educators, and innovators who have made an indelible impact on society. It also serves as an educational opportunity, allowing students and the broader community to learn about the struggles, triumphs, and cultural legacies of Latinx communities both locally and globally.

This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as Norco College continues to grow as an inclusive institution, where students from all walks of life feel valued and supported. Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a celebration of the past but also a commitment to fostering future success for our Latinx students.

 

About Norco College

Norco College, a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, offers a wide range of academic programs designed to prepare students for success in a global and interconnected world. With a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, the college strives to create a welcoming environment for all students, empowering them to reach their full potential.