SALINAS VALLEY — Rancho Cielo marked its first day of school with a special assembly on Aug. 12, during which five recent graduates—Kenia Perez, Isaiah Barajas, Severiano De Jesus, Serenity Lucas and Melissa Torres—became the second group of students to receive the RIDE (Rancho Invests in Driving Equity) Car Scholarship Award.
This initiative aims to remove transportation barriers and empower students as they transition into higher education and the workforce.
“The RIDE program has the largest return on investment of anything we do here,” said Rancho Cielo CEO Chris Devers.
Rancho Cielo operates a fleet of buses and passenger vans that transport nearly 100 students daily, 183 days a year, covering a 225-mile round trip.
In addition, it partners with MST (Monterey-Salinas Transit) and the Monterey County Hospitality Association to provide bus passes for students, including those traveling from the farthest parts of Monterey County. Last year, MST launched Route 40, which comes directly to campus from downtown Salinas.
In 2023, Rancho Cielo kicked off a driver’s education program in partnership with Drive Carmel, closing a gap that traditional high schools no longer cover, to equip students with essential driving skills and a path to obtain their driver’s license—also, a crucial form of identification.
To date, 191 students have participated in Rancho Cielo’s driver’s education cohorts, with over 150 earning permits and nearly 100 securing licenses. By covering all related costs and transportation to and from DMV sites, Rancho Cielo ensures students have the tools needed for mobility and independence.
The RIDE Car Scholarship, introduced in 2024 by the Board’s Equity Committee, marks a significant step in student empowerment and continues Rancho Cielo’s efforts toward driving equity. Eligible students who complete the driver’s education program can apply for this life-changing opportunity. The selection process involves submitting an application and participating in in-person interviews with a panel of advisers.
“Not only does a driver’s license symbolize equity, inclusion and independence, but it also provides students with critical skills to support their families and professional aspirations,” said Jamie Kitz, Equity Committee Chair. “Many trades require a license for job functions and commuting to work sites, making this program invaluable.”
The RIDE Car Scholarship exemplifies Rancho Cielo’s ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers and creating equitable opportunities for all.
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