Inland Empire/Desert College Students Drive Awareness to Ready Career Education 

If you’re out and about anywhere in the Inland Empire/Desert region, you might spot a car or two wrapped in signature Career Ready Education branding.

Throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties, vehicles sporting the promotional wrap are helping spread the word about career education programs at our 12 local community colleges. With 20 Ready cars on the road, numerous students from our regional colleges are participating in the initiative to help drive awareness around the area.

“I chose to participate because I thought it was supporting our school,” says Copper Mountain College student Robert Wanless. The CMC student couldn’t be prouder to support his college, thanks to the foundation it’s building to support his future career aspirations as a graphic novelist.

“The school is helping me with my art studies and graphic arts as well,” Wanless continues. “Because of the community college system, I should be able to transfer all of my classes [to] California State Universities or colleges.”

Students participating in the car wrap advertising campaign aren’t just promoting their colleges — they’re getting paid. Those involved earn more than $500 when they apply and get approved for the vehicle wrap initiative.

Each student’s participation in the campaign also helps drive essential awareness to the regional colleges. According to the most recent campaign report, the Ready Career Education vehicle wraps have already accumulated over 3.6 million impressions from being on the road.

Students like Wanless, who are driving the wrapped vehicles, have handouts in their cars ready to provide interested individuals with additional information about career education programming across the region. These handouts feature a QR code that will redirect prospective students to the Ready Career Education website, where they can learn about programming, Inland Empire/Desert news, colleges, and more.

“I chose to participate [in the campaign] because it seemed like an exciting opportunity to get paid for simply going about my daily driving business, while simultaneously advertising and promoting my school program,” explains Bryan Johns, a recent Crafton Hills College grad.

“My school program has literally made my life, so I was very appreciative of this opportunity to spread awareness and promote the very education that has had such a positive impact on my life,” Johns continues.

Johns is currently a study participant and recent graduate of the Radiologic Technology Program at CHC, which partners with Colton-based Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. In addition to his associate degree, Johns also completed objectives to perform both CT and MRI scans at the medical facility.

However, the alum’s school pride doesn’t stop at his accomplishments. “Additionally, my son is planning to attend one of the programs which I would be advertising for once he graduates high school next year,” Johns proudly states.

With the Ready Career Education campaign in full swing, it’s only a matter of time for other prospective students to find their route toward success. So far, the drivers for the program have exceeded expectations by covering more than 24,000 miles showcasing the vehicle wraps. 

“I would just like to express my sincere and humble gratitude for this rewarding and unique opportunity to spread awareness for a cause that I personally and wholeheartedly support and believe in,” Johns continues.

As the vehicle wrap campaign continues its commute across the Inland Empire/Desert region, our participating students are helping spread the word for Ready Career. Have you seen a Ready vehicle on the road? Snap a photo and share it with James.Meier@rccd.edu.

Stephanie Granatell, College of the Desert