A first-of-its-kind exhibition at RAM and the Cheech explores how Chicano photographers have used cameras to document their communities and reshape American art history.
The 33rd annual Riverside Dickens Festival will explore themes of poverty, resilience and community care when it returns to White Park Feb. 21-22, marking a shift toward social equity.
Employees collaborate at Phenix Technology's Riverside facility, where the company's award-winning "Opportunity for All" program employs a 30% neurodiverse workforce. (Courtesy of Phenix Technology)
Phenix Gateway and Riverside Community College District will launch a job readiness and adult skills program in November 2025 to help neurodivergent individuals and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find meaningful employment.
The program addresses a significant employment gap. Only 22.7% of people with disabilities were employed as of July 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and those who do work earn 31% less on average than their non-disabled peers.
Phenix Gateway, a Riverside-based nonprofit, has placed more than 80% of its previous program participants into full-wage jobs through partnerships with local schools, workforce agencies and employers.
"Phenix Gateway exists to empower individuals facing barriers to achieve independence and dignity through education, work experience, and inclusive opportunities," said Angel Sanchez Jr., president of Phenix Gateway. "Our partnership with RCCD strengthens that mission by helping students move from the classroom to the workplace with purpose, pride, and belonging."
The program will work through RCCD's PACT (Promoting Achievable College Transitions) initiative, which helped 163 autistic or neurodiverse students transition to college after their senior year of high school in its pilot year. PACT also supported 35 returning students, all of whom are taking courses this fall at a District college.
"It's a really exciting and innovative collaboration," said Michael Peterson, RCCD's executive director of adult education and community initiatives. "It targets two key areas in which this population statistically falls behind their peers—that of postsecondary educational attainment and employment as a young adult."
Dr. Wolde-ab Isaac, chancellor of the Riverside Community College District, said the partnership reflects the district's commitment to inclusion and social mobility.
"By investing in neurodivergent and differently-abled learners, we are investing in a more compassionate, equitable, and capable workforce—one that values the diverse strengths of every individual," Isaac said.
PACT receives funding through the K-16 Inland Regional Collaborative, which builds educational partnerships to support first-generation, low-income and historically marginalized populations.
More information: Employers interested in participating can visit phenixgateway.org for more information.
The 33rd annual Riverside Dickens Festival will explore themes of poverty, resilience and community care when it returns to White Park Feb. 21-22, marking a shift toward social equity.
