Group of middle schoolers at STEAM Academy

Middle School Initiative

In the Media

KVCR: UC Riverside’s Middle School Initiative Gets Kids on Track for College

Dean Joi A. Spencer in graduation regalia

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Getting Ahead for College Success

Middle school is the perfect time to start dreaming big! But these students often get left out when it comes to college prep—elementary schools have tons of support, and high schools have experts ready to guide the way. Middle schoolers? Not so much.

That’s where the Middle School Initiative steps in! With fun events like essay contests, 8th grade graduations, and UCR campus visits, we’re here to show students they belong at a university like UCR. We want to kickstart conversations about college, share resources, and help every student believe: Yes, you can do this!

Would you like to partner with the School of Education, please fill out the interest form below (for students, admin, teachers, and partnerships) and we will be in touch soon.

 

Middle School Initiatives Interest Form

 

  • Middle School Field Trips
    MSI Photo Field Trip

    The School of Education is pleased to sponsor field trips for partnered middle schools! 

    These fields trips are organized for middle school students to be inspired and informed on how to adequately prepare for high school, what STEM classes to take, available resources (i.e Student Organizations, TRIO, UCR STEM Summer Cap for High Schoolers, ARC Center), all of which is to ensure a smooth transition to four-year colleges.

  • Middle School Book Drives
    Middle Schoolers holding donated books

    We are excited to provide resources to local middle schools to encourage multi-cultural views and perspectives and focusing on real world problems and self-identity in this world. 

    The Middle School Initiative Program recently hosted a Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive to inspire a love for reading and celebrate the rich history and culture of the Hispanic community. The drive aims to provide 7th graders with diverse and culturally relevant books, promoting inclusivity and representation in their reading materials. All collected books were donated to Central Middle School to support students in their academic and personal growth. 

Contact Us

Elizabeth Benitez

Elizabeth Benitez

Middle School Initiatives Coordinator
ebenitez@ucr.edu

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