WHITTIER – Río Hondo College and its students will benefit from $28.8 million in relief funds, presented by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez during her visit to the College on July 8.

The financial relief stems from the American Rescue Plan, which provides funding to local colleges through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III). Authorized by the American Rescue Plan, HEERF III provided $39.6 billion to help higher education institutions serve students throughout the pandemic recovery process.

“Colleges, universities, and students have faced unprecedented challenges over the last year,” Sánchez said. “As we recover from this pandemic, we must ensure our local colleges and universities safely reopen for in-person learning while giving students the resources they need to continue their education. This funding, which I voted for as part of the American Rescue Plan, will do just that. I am glad to be here to highlight the $28 million Río Hondo College received through this relief package.”

Half of the relief funds will go directly to Río Hondo College students in the form of grants, while the other half will be used to purchase upgrades, including Wi-Fi hotspots, computer hardware and software, hand sanitizer, masks, gloves and safety shields for desks.

“Thank you to Congresswoman Linda Sánchez for providing Río Hondo College with this COVID-19 relief fund,” Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss said. “This money will go a long way in assisting our students who have been impacted by the pandemic, giving them more opportunities to succeed while also providing additional safety and upgrades to the College campus.”

“We are appreciative of this COVID-19 relief fund and are grateful for the advocacy of our representatives, including Congresswoman Linda Sánchez,” said Río Hondo College Board President Rosaelva Lomeli.

“Congresswoman Sánchez graciously visited our campus to present a check of more than $28 million to benefit Río Hondo College students. As the pandemic has created many obstacles, these funds will allow our students to continue their success in all of their endeavors. This relief fund is a major boon for our community, and it will be the catalyst for student success at Río Hondo College.”

HEERF III has provided some $5 billion for schools across California. In addition to Río Hondo College, seven institutions will benefit from this funding. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3e1BJGM.