The district's coding clubs, family innovation nights and "Ignite Her Mind" symposium earned recognition for expanding access to hands-on technology learning.
Riverside Unified Earns State Golden Bell Award for STEM Pathway Programs
The district's coding clubs, family innovation nights and "Ignite Her Mind" symposium earned recognition for expanding access to hands-on technology learning.
The annual Ignite Her Mind STEM Symposium is part of Riverside Unified’s Computational Design Thinking Focused Pathways, which won a 2025 Golden Bell Award. The event empowers eighth-grade girls through hands-on STEM workshops, mentorship from high school ambassadors, and inspiration from women leaders in STEM. (Courtesy of RUSD)
Riverside Unified School District received a Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association on Dec. 3 for its Computational Design Thinking Focused Pathways, which brings hands-on STEM learning to students across the district.
The recognition marks the district's sixth consecutive year winning a Golden Bell Award and its 10th since 2000. The awards honor innovative programs that improve student achievement and well-being in California public schools.
The award-winning pathway includes three main components: coding clubs for students in transitional kindergarten through high school, family innovation nights, and the "Ignite Her Mind" STEM symposium for eighth-grade girls. Together, the programs aim to build computational thinking skills and prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
"These pathways are designed to give every student the chance to experience the excitement of creating, building, and solving real-world problems with technology," Superintendent Dr. Sonia Llamas said in a statement. "We prepare students for the future by sparking their passion today."
During the 2024-25 school year, Riverside Unified established 40 coding clubs, hosted 20 family innovation nights, and held its ninth annual "Ignite Her Mind" symposium. The symposium provides a day of hands-on exploration and mentorship to help middle school girls envision themselves in STEM fields.
The district's Innovation & Learning Engagement Department leads the initiative, which focuses on making STEM education accessible to all students through inclusive learning opportunities.
"This prestigious recognition affirms the sustained, intentional work of the incredible educators across Riverside Unified," Board President Brent Lee said. "It is a reflection of our Board and district's collective dedication to STEM learning, equity, and innovation."
The district will use the five-year Golden State Pathways Program award to strengthen health care, construction, computer science and other career pathways at local high schools.
