Meet the Class of 2026: Alumni Stories Inspire TPP Honorees

Each year, top students who complete the requirements from the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) Transition Partnership Program (TPP) are selected by their teacher, RCOE staff, and California State Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) counselor to be recognized at a ceremony in their honor.

TPP is an interagency vocational program federally funded by the California State Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) in cooperation with RCOE, and local high schools across the county. The goal of TPP is to assist students with disabilities in overcoming challenges in their transition from high school to further education/training and/or to gain meaningful employment.

Support, for some students, continues after high school and may include job placement assistance and vocational training or financial assistance to purchase job-required tools and/or uniforms. More than 600 students from participating school districts join the program each year.

At the 2026 TPP Student Achievement Awards held on Wednesday, May 5, at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center, the success of TPP alumni was highlighted for this year’s class of students being celebrated, their friends, and their families.

Three alumni were highlighted with video productions from RCOE’s Digital Production Services (DPS) unit.

Jesus Steven Cervantes Gonzalez
RCOE Project SEARCH Alumni

Jesus joined RCOE’s Project Search program located in Riverside Community Hospital in the summer of 2024. During his time in this vocational rehabilitation program, he learned how to navigate the hospital and gained real-world work experience alongside hospital staff, patients, visitors, and members of the community. Although hesitant at first, Jesus quickly adapted and exceeded expectations as he learned to perform clerical work in the Admitting department, stock and organize in the Environmental Services department, and work in food service in the Nutritional Services department.

After gaining experience and confidence through the program, Jesus expressed a desire to apply for a job at the hospital. He received assistance with his resume, application, and interview preparation from staff in the TPP Program and the Department of Rehabilitation.

In the summer of 2025, Riverside Community Hospital hired Jesus as a full-time Room Service Team Member. In this new position, he has been able to improve his existing skills and learn new tasks, including building and delivering meals to patients. This opportunity ultimately continues to expand his world. He is working on getting his driver's license and saving up to buy a car.

DeCarlos Hamler
Beaumont High School Alumni

DeCarlos Hamler graduated from Beaumont High School in 2024 and pursued support through the Transition Partnership Program (TPP) and the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) to begin his employment journey. Initially interested in the fast-food industry, DeCarlos explored a variety of opportunities and, with job leads provided by TPP, successfully secured seasonal positions at Live Oak Pumpkin Patch and Five Below.

Throughout his participation in TPP Job Clubs, DeCarlos developed essential workplace skills, including completing job applications, preparing for interviews, dressing professionally, and demonstrating punctuality and reliability. These experiences helped build a strong foundation for his continued success.

Through a partnership established by TPP, DeCarlos was later given the opportunity to interview with the Boys & Girls Club, where he was hired and has been successfully employed for nearly two years. During this time, he has demonstrated significant growth in both his communication skills and overall confidence.

DeCarlos takes great pride in his role, particularly in working with youth and making a positive impact on their lives. What sets him apart is his genuine gratitude and appreciation for the support he has received from DOR, TPP, and his mother, whose encouragement has played a vital role in his success.

Connor Spearman
High School: Palm Springs High School Alumni

Connor Spearman joined the Transition Partnership Program (TPP) during his senior year at Palm Springs High School, driven by a passion for helping others. He began his career path by earning his Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, later advancing to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Today, Connor has come full circle and now serves as an instructor at California Nurses Educational Institute (CNEI), where he is guiding and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals. While teaching CNA courses, he continues to advance his own career by pursuing his Registered Nurse (RN) license.

Connor’s impact has been both meaningful and far-reaching. He has supported more than six TPP students in earning their CNA certifications, helping open doors to meaningful careers and brighter futures. His influence extends beyond technical training as he builds confidence, fosters independence, and creates opportunities for others to succeed.

Connor’s full-circle journey is defined by dedication, growth, and purpose. As a leader, Connor not only achieves personal success, but also uplifts and empowers those around him by giving back to his community.