WHITTIER – Río Hondo College has been ranked the 15th best college in the nation overall for serving Hispanic students and third for awarding Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Degrees by Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine.

The rankings, announced on Oct. 12, mark Río Hondo College’s latest appearance in the list of Top 100 Colleges and Universities for Hispanics, which is published annually by Hispanic Outlook on Education. The list charts the national progress of Hispanics in higher education and recognizes institutions committed to serving Hispanics’ educational needs.

“We are incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition of our service to our community,” Acting Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss said. “Río Hondo College is deeply committed to all of our students, many of whom face incredible challenges as they pursue their dreams of higher education.”

Río Hondo College’s No. 15 ranking is based on a combination of factors derived from 2018-19 data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, both maintained by the U.S. Department of Education.

The College is a Hispanic Serving Institution, with 79.2 percent of students of Hispanic heritage. Students identifying as Hispanic earned 2,924 degrees and certificates in 2018-19. (The College, which offers a Bachelor of Science in automotive technology, is ranked with four-year colleges along with several other California community colleges with four-year degree options.)

The No. 3 ranking in Degrees by Major is based on a 94 percent rate of Hispanics among degree holders in Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Degrees. The ranking is among both community colleges and four-year institutions.

The College provides a broad array of support services to students, including some programs targeted at Latino students:

• Puente Project: The Puente Project strives to boost the number of educationally disadvantaged students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities, earn degrees and return to their communities as mentors.

• LEGACIE: A mentorship program entitled Latinos Empowered, Guided and Cultivated in Education strives to develop relationships with Latino men to cultivate their sense of belonging on campus and contribute to improved educational success.

• Student Success and Dream Center: Home to the UndocuScholars program and services for undocumented students. Undocumented students are supported with academic needs, Dream Act applications and completing their educational goals. UndocuScholars is a specialized cohort program that provides comprehensive support and peer mentorship for undocumented students. In the fall, a special counseling course is offered for undocumented students.

• Legal Services for Undocumented Students: Free legal services are provided to students.

• Students without Borders: Student organization for undocumented students.

• Río Raices: This is a new Latinx association open to all Río Hondo College equity-minded staff, faculty and managers.