07 Apr Sponsored Content: Gabriel Graves – College Corps Cohort Inspires Inland Empire Students to Put Their Best Foot Forward

Gabriel Graves is a Riverside City College student and #CaliforniansForAll College Corps member.

By Charlene Muhammad
California Black Media Contributor

Gabriel Graves is not your typical returning college student. With more life experience than most of his peers, his passion for technology led him back to school, putting his art business on hold to pursue his dream of becoming an engineering researcher.

The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps program has been instrumental in his journey. As a Riverside City College student representative and a member of the Math Engineering Science Achievement program, he values the opportunity to serve others while gaining hands-on experience.

“Being part of College Corps means waking up every day knowing that my time and efforts are helping others,” Graves says. “It’s about realizing that your life isn’t just your own—people are relying on you to show up and be present so the entire community can thrive together.”

Through College Corps, Graves has built relationships with inspiring mentors and peers. “Every day, I connect with people who motivate me—like Darci, my supervisor; Jess, my fellow Ambassador; Alex, my cohort fellow; and Myesha, my colleague and fellow Associated Students of Riverside City College Senate Committee Chair. They keep me inspired and remind me why this work matters.”

Though he doesn’t always think about it in the moment, Graves knows his participation aligns with his broader purpose. The feedback he receives from students reassures him that programs like College Corps have a meaningful impact — especially in underserved communities.

“Even if just one student tells me I helped them on a quiz, those small wins add up. Many students I work with feel overlooked by the system, and I strive to make sure they feel seen—not just academically, but personally.”

Graves approaches every interaction with empathy. “When I walk into a classroom, I don’t know if a student had breakfast or if they stayed up all night due to family struggles. That perspective shapes the way I engage with them, ensuring they feel supported.”

Balancing his College Corps duties, academic workload, and personal life isn’t easy, but Graves credits his M.E.S.A. counselor, Vanessa Nunez, for helping him find moments to rest. At the same time, his way of managing everything is simple—he works even harder.

His deep sense of purpose fuels his commitment to serving others. The recognition he receives is rewarding, but what drives him most is honoring the sacrifices of his loved ones.

“I owe so much to my mother. She gave everything to ensure my siblings and I had not just food and shelter, but a mother who truly cared. She was always present, always doing her best for us,” he reflects.

For students considering College Corps, Graves has simple yet powerful advice:

“This is an incredible program—but like anything in life, you only get out what you put in. Show up, give it your all, and you’ll have a truly special experience.”

He encourages others to take a leap of faith. “When I started as a participant, I never imagined I’d be in a position to inspire others. You never know what’s possible until you take that leap. Put your best foot forward, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve!”