DPSS Annual Report 24_25 FLIP v16_compressed

Self-Sufficiency Division

CalWORKs

Uncertainty to Opportunity, RCOE Program Puts CalWORKs Participants into Careers

Edwin Mendoza wanted his children to see what is possible in their own lives. As a CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work par ticipant and father of eight, he set out to become the example he hopes his kids will follow. “I was stuck for a while, unsure of my next path,” Mendoza said. His path emerged from a partnership between DPSS and the Riverside Coun ty Office of Education (RCOE). Through this collaboration, the RCOE School of Career Education offers Welfare-to Work participants like Mendoza a step pingstone into high-demand fields such as information technology, pharmacy technician, and dental and medical as sistant careers. “They had an opportunity for me and I took it,” said Mendoza, beaming with pride on graduation day, displaying his newly earned certification in Information Technology. Students typically spend five to nine months gaining hands-on experience in classrooms designed to mirror real

workplace environments. The program provides CalWORKs participants with tuition assistance, access to grants and scholarships, and support with trans portation and childcare so they are not burdened with debt when they complete their training. For Vineish Cornish, earning her Phar macy Technician certificate was a major step toward the long-term goals she has already carefully plotted out.

“What’s next for me right now is to be established as a technician,” she said. Cornish plans to continue her education, building on her certificate and experi ence as she works toward becoming a Doctor of Naturopathy. Surrounded by family and friends, Men doza, Cornish and 58 fellow graduates celebrated a milestone that opens new employment opportunities and greater economic independence as they follow their paths to the future.

Edwin Mendoza

Vineish Cornish

Riverside County Department of Public Social Services | Annual Report 2024 - 2025

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