When Jesus Mendoza started college, he had no idea what he wanted to study. Like many students, he was working part-time, exploring options, and trying to figure out his next steps. Today, he’s found his calling in cybersecurity at Riverside City College, supported by funds from the Robert B. Taylor and Imperial Employee Scholarships. Generous donors have made it possible for him to focus on his education rather than financial stress. His story shows how the right support at the right time can help a student move from uncertainty to confidence. 
Jesus’ hope of making a difference and stopping digital threats led him to RCC, but his journey didn’t start there.
Jesus started out at RCC’s “sister school” Norco City College. Like many college students, he faced the challenge of not knowing exactly what he wanted to pursue. While he explored his options, he worked part-time to help manage costs. Jesus tells students facing similar uncertainty that “It’s okay to be lost. It’s okay to do things afraid; we should still be doing things afraid because that’s what makes us brave, right?” Once he realized he had a passion for cybersecurity, he transferred to RCC, joining the Information Security and Cyber Defense Program.
Jesus found IECF’s scholarship programs through an opportunity in his own home. Jesus’ father has been an Imperial Commercial Cooking Equipment employee for years. The company established its fund with IECF in 2017, committed to supporting their community and staff by providing scholarships to eligible children of employees. After applying to the Imperial Employee Scholarship, Jesus spoke with our Senior Scholarship Manager, Denisha Shackelford who encouraged him to also apply for the Robert B. Taylor Scholarship.
These scholarship opportunities have allowed Jesus to focus more on his actual education instead of the financial aspect. He continues to work part time, but according to Jesus with the added scholarships, he’s able to manage “just fine.”
Jesus is looking ahead now. He plans to transfer to California State University San Bernardino’s renowned Cybersecurity Center to complete his bachelor’s degree, land an internship, and eventually earn a master’s degree. But he’s also looking back with gratitude.
Jesus is grateful for the donors who helped relieve his financial stress. “Thank you to the Imperial Scholarship as well as the Robert B. Taylor family for giving me the opportunity of receiving this fund. I highly appreciate it— I hope that I can give that same kindness you gave to me to others throughout my life.”
IECF is proudly cheering Jesus on as he continues to pursue his goals. Thanks to donors who inspire kindness, students like Jesus are finding their paths, receiving support that removes financial barriers, and emerging ready to pay that kindness forward.
IECF was founded in 1941 to open doors for students in the region through scholarship programs. Today, over 8 decades later, we’re continuing to help remove financial barriers and create pathways for the next generation to reach their full potential. Lifelong Learning is a Vital Condition that helps communities grow and thrive.
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