Claremont, Calif. (April 12, 2016) — This year Pitzer College celebrates 20 years of community work in Ontario and the Inland Empire through its Pitzer in Ontario Program (PIO), founded in 1996. PIO is a unique program nationwide and represents an innovative educational model that involves students in hands-on and academic work with change-oriented and civic organizations.
On April 14, Pitzer College will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on from 6-9 p.m. at 200 S. Euclid Avenue in its recently acquired storefront that will expand and enrich its community-based presence and activities by operating CASA Ontario. Mayor of Ontario Paul Leon and Pitzer College Interim President Thomas Poon will cut the ceremonial ribbon following a program that includes a Native American blessing, speeches and a Tongan hymn.
The previously vacant storefront sits in historic downtown Ontario that is still struggling economically. CASA is strategically placed to promote community, civic engagement, collaboration and positive change-making in downtown Ontario and throughout the Inland region.
CASA Ontario will house local organization offices, classrooms for students and community members, and will offer space for training, conferences, fundraisers and region-wide stakeholder gatherings in issues from public health and education to environment and immigration.
The ribbon cutting will be a party-style event to introduce the space to neighborhood residents, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, city staff, funders, college students, staff, faculty, artists and more.
