UC Riverside School of Education today announced the launch of the Fueling the Inland Empire Region with Community Educators, or FIERCE Scholars Program. The new program is designed to prepare current SOE undergraduate students to be community-ready and equity centered after graduation when they can return to contribute to the workforce needs of the IE Inland Empire (IE) area of Southern California.

“The goal of the program is to address the needs of the IE community, which is over 50% people of color, with a significant Latina/o/x, Black, Asian/Asian American, and Indigenous population,” said Interim Dean Louie Rodriguez. “Our hope is that by the time they complete our program, our FIERCE Scholars will be ready to enter the community and serve. The focus of the program will be on developing students who wish to become teachers, school psychologists, or higher education professionals.”

The competitive program is open to UCR SOE students who are in their junior year, with priority given to applicants who attended an Inland Empire high school with a student population that is at least 50% low-socioeconomic status (SES) and/or Title I status; first-generation college students; and applicants who are bilingual or come from a home where Spanish, Mandarin, or some other language is spoken. FIERCE Scholars will receive a $3,000 scholarship over three years, ongoing mentorship, and networking opportunities with faculty, staff, and students committed to educational equity and opportunities. Scholars will be exposed to curriculum that intentionally addresses the educational needs of the Inland Empire. More information about the program, as well as the application can be found here. Applications are due by 11:59pm on October 8, 2021.

Interim Dean Rodriguez and Assistant Professor and FIERCE program coordinator Amos Lee will be holding an information session on Thursday, September 30th at 5pm about the program and application process. Interested students are encouraged to RVSP here.