MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND
RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT ON BEHALF OF MORENO VALLEY COLLEGE
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) /
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)
FOR
IMAKE INNOVATION CENTER AND
BUSINESS-WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
2 1. INTRODUCTION
This Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") is made and entered into the Ju ne ____, 2026 by and between the City of Moreno Valley, a general law city and a municipal corporation of the State of California located in Riverside County, by and through its Economic Development Department [collectively "CITY") and Riverside Community College District on behalf of Moreno Valley College, a community college located in the State of California, by and through its CTE/STEM programs (collectively "COLLEGE").
The CITY and COLLEGE are collectively referred to herein as the "PARTIES."
2. Purpose
This MOU outlines the agreement between the PARTIES to work in cooperation to promote and co-create local business and workforce development initiatives within city limits and at Moreno Valley College including entrepreneur programs and the iMake Innovation Center.
3. Background
On January 12, 2017, the City of Moreno Valley and Moreno Valley College signed an interest letter agreeing to create a strategic partnership to further mutually beneficial CTE/STEM training, business outreach and student and workforce development opportunities. That same year, Moreno Valley College was one of 24 colleges to receive a $100,000 Maker Implementation Grant from the California Community Colleg e Chancellor's Office to build a MAKERSPACE.
In 2018, The CITY and COLLEGE entered into this MOU to build on the partnership and to create a makerspace at Moreno Valley College.
Since that time, the makerspace, known as the iMake Innovation Center, was built on campus and the PARTIES have continuously worked together to attract higher-paying jobs, increase the quality of life for residents, encourage local retention of homegrown talent, encourage student achievement, increase college graduation rates, and to incentivize businesses to promote the hiring of local graduates and work collaboratively in the following ways to achieve these ends:
1. .Meet regularly to discuss program development, outreach opportunities, and new initiatives;
2. Jointly conduct business outreach through the CITY's Momentum MoVal Business Visit and Business Roundtable programs;
3. Participate in the pursuit and development of innovative initiatives such as the Bloomberg Philanthropies' 2018 Mayor's Challenge;
4. Promote job opportunities and host student services programs at the CITY's a. Moreno Valley Business & Employment Resource Center (BERC);
5. Participate in and mutually support the COLLEGE's regional efforts to implement the California Community Colleges' Strong Workforce program;
6. Support the COLLEGE's CTE/STEM outreach efforts by participating in job fairs and the CTE/STEM Advisory Board;
3 7. Support the COLLEGE's College Promise program to help fund school costs for participants;
8. Support the CITY's Hire MoVal program by assisting to promote the Hire A Grad program, a local hire initiative that incentivizes local businesses to hire Moreno Valley graduates;
9. Support the City's Career Day Academy through promotion to local students and providing guest speakers;
10. Co-create and host the annual Inland Empire Apprenticeship Expo as well as promote apprenticeship opportunities within Moreno Valley and the region; and both parties will identify and pursue local, state, federal, and philanthropic funding opportunities that enhance shared goals in STEM/STEAM education, workforce innovation, and community engagement. P roposals may focus on areas such as broadband access, climate resilience, and workforce reskilling.
The CITY and COLLEGE agree to collaboratively design, support, and expand workforce development programs that address regional priorities in high -growth sectors. Both parties recognize that together they are better equipped to accomplish their shared interest in better preparing students and the local workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow in the following key areas:
1. Global Supply Chain Management and Logistics
2. Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Smart Infrastructure
3. Graphic Design and New Media
4. Business Development and Entrepreneurship
5. Green Technology and Sustainability
6. HealthCare
7. STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) Programs
8. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robotics
9. Advanced Manufacturing
10. Internships and Apprenticeships
11. Esports including game development, production/broadcasting, marketing/communications, and team/league operations.
12. Aerospace (Advance Air Mobility, Satellites, and related manufacturing/engineering pathways).
The CITY and COLLEGE enter into this MOU to extend the partnership and to continue to promote the iMake Innovation Center at Moreno Valley College as a hub for entrepreneurism (a research/pilot lab – prototyping, simulation, and automation for smart city tech – IoT, sensors, solar) supporting green infrastructure and city planning for Moreno Valley residents and businesses. The City serves as problem/use -case partner to identify/support pilot opportunities, use cases, and appropriate real -world test environments (e.g., controlled pilots before street deployment). 4 4. The Parties Obligations
A. COLLEGE Obligations:
a. Manage the daily operations and provide staff for the iMake Innovation Center and future satellite centers;
b. Develop curriculum and train staff and students in a safe, clean environment; c. Provide free access to and supplies for projects made within the iMake Innovation Center to Moreno Valley residents and businesses; d. Utilize College marketing and promotion avenues to promote the BERC and the City;
e. Manage internship and externship opportunities;
f. Seek funding opportunities to support the iMake Innovation Center operation and free community benefits;
g. Collaborate with City staff on Hire MoVal and other business & workforce development initiatives such as but not limited to Career Day Academy and apprenticeships;
h. Support and actively seek with the CITY grant and funding opportunities for business and workforce development programs from state, local, federal, and private sources;
B. CITY Obligations:
a. Serve as a liaison between the iMake Innovation Center, Moreno Valley College, and the Moreno Valley business community;
b. Promote the benefits of the iMake Innovation Center to the public and the business community in Moreno Valley;
c. Utilize CITY marketing and promotion avenues to promote the iMake Innovation Center/College;
d. Support and promote the COLLEGE's Dual-Enrollment programs with Moreno Valley and Val Verde Unified School Districts;
e. Collaborate and support the COLLEGE's efforts to offer four-year degrees; f. Support and promote CTE/STEM programs at the COLLEGE; g. Host and provide office and classroom space the BERC for College programs and promotion of student services;
h. Support and actively seek with the COLLEGE grant and funding opportunities for business and workforce development programs from state, local, federal, and private sources; and
i. Contribute to and consult on the creation of industry-specific curriculum needs. j. Work with local businesses and departments to support access to internships, externships, and apprenticeship pathways for iMAKE participants, prioritizing hands - on training aligned with livable wage careers.
C. Joint Obligations:
a. Expand access to devices, connectivity, and basic -to-advanced digital skills training, support initiatives that reduce the digital divide for students, workers, and residents, and incorporate digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and AI 5 literacy into joint programming
b. The City and College will co -host quarterly public showcases at the iMAKE Innovation Center or at City-designated spaces. These events will highlight student and community innovation, promote CTE/STEM career pathways, and engage families, K –12 schools, and local employers.
c. Explore continuous improvement of a framework for data sharing and program assessment, where feasible, to track participation, credentialing, and employment outcomes; Support transparency and accountability for all programs; and inform future policy, curriculum development, and grant reporting
d. The City and College will explore/identify potential sites for future iMAKE satellite access points in City facilities (or other partner spaces), with future decisions contingent on resources and feasibility.
e. Establish a City-College Workforce Collaborative and convene twice annually to align iMAKE curriculum to local employer needs, offer insight into emerging job sectors, and strengthen recruitment pipelines for Moreno Valley’s business community
5. Costs
A. COLLEGE Not Obligated for Any Costs
The CITY acknowledges and agrees that the COLLEGE shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the CITY, including any of its affiliates in connection with the administration and/or implementation of this MOU or any related partnership or program activities.
The CITY further acknowledges and agrees that the COLLEGE shall not be liable in any way for payment of any costs, fees, wages, or any other amounts to be paid to any party arising out of or related to this MOU.
B. CITY Not Obligated for Any Costs
The COLLEGE acknowledges and agrees that the CITY shall not be liable for any costs incurred by the COLLEGE, including any of its affiliates in connection with the administration and/or implementation of this MOU or any related partnership or program activities.
The COLLEGE further acknowledges and agrees that the CITY shall not be liable in any way for payment of any costs, fees, wages, or any other amounts to be paid to any party arising out of or related to this MOU.
6. General Terms
It is further mutually agreed by the Parties as follows:
A. Insurance
6 The parties shall meet the insurance requirements attached hereto as Exhibit "A" or provide a certificate of self-insurance acceptable to the other party.
B. Indemnity; Hold Harmless
The Parties shall indemnify and hold harmless each other, their Agencies, Districts, Special Districts and Departments, their respective directors, officers, elected and appointed officials, employees, agents and representatives (individually and collectively hereinafter referred to as indemnitees) from any liability whatsoever, based or asserted upon any acts, services, misconduct or obligations of the indemnifying party, including their respective officers, employees, subcontractors, agents or representatives arising out of or in any way relating to this MOU, including but not limited to property damage, bodily injury, or death or any other element of any kind or nature whatsoever arising from the performance of that party, including their respective officers, employees, subcontractors, agents or representatives. The indemnifying party shall defend, at their sole expense, all costs and fees including, but not limited, to attorney fees, cost of investigation, defense and settlements or awards, the indemnitees in any claim or action based upon such alleged acts or omissions.
With respect to any action or claim subject to indemnification herein, the indemnitor shall, at their sole cost, have the right to use counsel of their own choice and shall have the right to adjust, settle, or compromise any such action or claim without the prior consent of indemnitee; provided, however, that any such adjustment, settlement or compromise in no manner whatsoever limits or circumscribes the indemnitor's indemnification to indemnitees as set forth herein.
The indemnitor's obligation hereunder shall be satisfied when the indemnitor has provided to indemnitee the appropriate form of dismissal relieving the indemnitee from any liability for the action or claim involved.
The specified insurance limits required in this MOU shall in no way limit or circumscribe the indemnitor's obligations to indemnify and hold harmless the herein from third party claims.
C. Alternative Dispute
The Parties agree that before either party commences any legal or equitable action, action for declaratory relief, suit, proceeding, or arbitration that the Parties shall first submit the dispute to mediation through a mutually acceptable professional mediator in Riverside County. Each party shall bear its own expenses and costs associated with the mediation.
The cost of mediator shall be shared equally by the Parties. 7 D. Notices
Any and all notices sent or required to be sent under this MOU shall be mailed to the following addresses, or any other address provided by the Parties in writing; and are deemed delivered one (l) day after their deposit in the United States Mail, postage prepaid:
College: Moreno Valley College
16130 Lasselle Street
Moreno Valley, CA 92551
Attn: Dean of Instruction, STEM
City: City of Moreno Valley
Economic Development Department
14177 Frederick Street
Moreno Valley, CA, 92552
Attn: Economic Development Director
E. Termination
Either party may terminate this MOU for any reason by giving written notice to the designated representative of the other party thirty {30) days prior to the expiration of this MOU. Except as otherwise provided herein, upon termination of this MOU, neither party shall have any obligation to other.
F. Legal Authority
Nothing in this MOU binds the CITY or COLLEGE to perform any action that is beyond its legal authority.
G. Conflict of Interest
No member, official or employee of the CITY or COLLEGE shall have any personal interest, direct or indirect, in this MOU nor shall any such member, official or employee participate in any decision relating to this MOU which affects his or her personal interest or the interests of any corporation, partnership or association in which he or she is directly or indirectly interested.
H. Confidentiality
a. The CITY and COLLEGE shall not use for personal gain or make other improper use of privileged or confidential information which is acquired in connection with this MOU. The term "privileged or confidential information" includes but is not 8 limited to: unpublished or sensitive technological or scientific information; medical, personnel, or security records; anticipated material requirements or pricing/purchasing actions; CITY or COLLEGE information or data which is not subject to public disclosure; CITY or COLLEGE operational procedures; and knowledge of selection of contractors, subcontractors or suppliers in advance of official announcement.
b. The CITY and COLLEGE shall protect from unauthorized disclosure names and other identifying information concerning persons receiving services pursuant to this MOU, except for general statistical information not identifying any person. The CITY of COLLEGE shall not use such information for any purpose other than carrying out the obligations under this MOU. Both Parties shall promptly transmit in writing all third-party requests for disclosure of such information. Neither Party City shall disclose, except as otherwise specifically permitted by this MOU or by law, any such information to anyone. For purposes of this paragraph, identity shall include, but not be limited to, name, identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual, such as finger or voice print or a photograph.
I. Interpretation and Governing Law: Severability
This MOU and any dispute arising hereunder shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California. This MOU shall be construed as a whole according to its fair language and common meaning to achieve the objectives and purposes of the Parties hereto, and the rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in interpreting this MOU, all Parties having been represented by counsel in the negotiation and preparation hereof.
Any legal action related to the performance or interpretation of this MOU shall be filed only in the Superior Court of the State of California located in Riverside, California, and the parties waive any provision of law providing for a change of venue to another location. In the event any provision in this MOU is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will nevertheless continue in full force without being impaired or invalidated in any way.
J. No Third-Party Beneficiaries
This MOU is made and entered into for the sole protection and benefit of the Parties hereto and shall not create any rights in any third Parties, including, but not limited to any businesses or individuals participating in the MOU programs, or any affiliates. No other person or entity shall have any right of action based upon the provisions of this MOU.
9 K. Section Headings
The Section headings herein are for the convenience of the Parties only and shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions or language of this MOU.
L. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
By executing this MOU, the Parties agree to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
M. Waiver
Any waiver by the Parties of any breach of any one or more of the terms of this MOU shall not be construed to be a waiver of any subsequent or other breach of the same or of any other term of this MOU. Failure on the part of the COLLEGE to require exact, full, and complete compliance with any terms of this MOU shall not be construed as in any manner changing the terms or preventing the CITY from enforcement of the terms of this MOU.
N. Authority to Execute
The persons executing this MOU or exhibits attached hereto on behalf of the Parties to this MOU hereby warrant and represent that they have the authority to execute this MOU and warrant and represent that they have the authority to bind the respective Parties to this MOU to the performance of its obligations hereunder.
O. Amendments and Modifications
It is agreed that the rights, interests, understandings, agreements, and obligations of the respective Parties pertaining to the subject matter of this MOU may not be amended, modified, or supplemented in any respect except by a subsequent written instrument evidencing the express written consent of each of the Parties hereto and duly executed by the Parties.
R. Effective Date: Term
The term of this MOU shall commence on the date of the last signature below ("Effective Date") and shall continue for 24 months ("Term"), unless extended by written mutual agreement of the Parties or terminated earlier.
S. Entire MOU
This MOU is intended by the Parties hereto as a final expression of their understanding with respect to the subject matter hereof and as a complete and 10 exclusive statement of the terms and conditions thereof and supersedes any and all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, oral or written, in connection therewith. Any amounts to or clarification necessary to this MOU shall be in writing and acknowledged by all Parties to the MOU.
[Signatures on Following Page]
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this MOU as of the dates written below.
“COLLEGE”
MORENO VALLE Y COLLEGE, a community
college in the State of California, by and through
its CTE/ STEM Program
By: ______________________________
Rudy Besikof, Ed.D., President
President
Date: ______________
“CITY”
CITY OF MORENO VALLEY, a general law city
and a municipal corporation of the State of
California located in Riverside County, by and
through its Economic Development Director
By: _____________________________
Brian Mohan
City Manager
Date: ______________
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
Date: ______________
APPROVED AS TO FORM
_______________________________
Date: ______________