Riverside County State of Education Event Showcases “Future-Proof” Educational Experiences for Students

RIVERSIDE – County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez unveiled a powerful vision for preparing students for the future during the 2026 Riverside County State of Education, highlighting innovative programs that ensure students are ready for college, ready for career, and ready for anything. The message was clear: The most powerful way to expand opportunity in the region is through a strong education.

Hosted by the Riverside County Office of Education, the event brought together educators, community leaders, and regional partners to showcase how schools across the county are expanding access to higher education, strengthening workforce pathways, and equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Stirring musical performances, enthusiastic demonstrations of career technical expertise, and inspiring stories of excellence, all featuring students throughout Riverside County, were among the highlights of the annual Riverside County State of Education Address and Luncheon held at the Riverside Convention Center on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

A recap of the event, including a full video replay, photo gallery, event program, and more, is available on the State of Education website at www.rcoe.us/state-of-education.

“The State of Education is a powerful showcase of the educational excellence that is on display every day in Riverside County’s public schools,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin Gomez. “When we say Riverside County students are future-proof, we are not offering a slogan, but, instead, an affirmation that they are academically prepared and ready to contribute to a workforce that is changing in real time.”

“This work does not happen by chance,” Gomez shared during the address. “It happens because of leadership, partnership, and a resolute commitment to students across this county. Riverside County is not waiting for the future. We are preparing students to define it.”

Featuring the theme: “Future-Proof: Ready for College. Ready for Career. Ready for Anything”, the event included:

• Keynote address from Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez.
  
  
• Highlights from all 23 districts in Riverside County, California, School for the Deaf, Riverside County charter schools, and the programs and services of the Riverside County Office of Education.
  
  
• First-ever Future-Proof Student Showcase with student-led demonstrations of career technical education programs from across Riverside County, highlighting animatronics, culinary arts sampling, aviation, residential construction, law enforcement and forensics, fire science, drone programs, engineering, media and arts, and Hybrid/EV automotive technology, among other engaging and innovative exhibitions. 
  
  
• Future-Proof Impact Awards presented to:
   
  • Ready for College Impact Award to California State University System and California State University, San Bernardino, for the launch of the CSU Direct Admission Pilot Program.
    
    
  • Ready for Career Impact Award to CAL FIRE Riverside County Fire Department for the Fire Careers Expo Partnership.
    
    
  • Ready for Anything Impact Award to 1LoveIE visionary, Justin Hudson, for his work inspiring entrepreneurship and empowering students to turn vision into reality.
    
• Six impactful and inclusive student performances—including a high school string quartet and a closing performance featuring the Moreno Valley Unified School District’s Moreno Mustang Singers elementary choir and the Lil Cubs Signers from California School for the Deaf, Riverside.
• Interview-style conversations with outstanding students and educators to personalize the impact of readiness for college, career, and unlimited opportunity.
  
  
• Release of the 2025-2026 Annual Report to the Community that depicts the work of the Riverside County Office of Education in support of the 23 districts and 500+ public schools in the county.

The 2026 State of Education Address and Luncheon was supported by Platinum Sponsor SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. Gold Sponsors included: First 5 Riverside County, the Law Offices of Margaret A. Chidester & Associates, the Rubrik Platform, and the Western Riverside Council of Governments/Inland Regional Energy Network. Additional sponsors are included in the event program available on the State of Education webpage.

About the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)

RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve more than 430,000 students—more than the student population of 17 states. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minor, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support, and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, throughout the 7,000 square miles of Riverside County. Learn more at www.rcoe.us.