WHITTIER – Rio Hondo College will host about 100 counselors from 25 area high schools for its third annual Regional Counselor Breakfast at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, in the Rio Café at the Rio Hondo College campus, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier.

“This breakfast is quickly becoming a tradition for Rio Hondo College and the high schools we serve,” said Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to share our latest programs and to learn about the needs of our local high school seniors.”

This year’s event includes a discussion of the College’s academic programs, including the Common Assessment initiative aimed at California’s community colleges and how high school transcripts will play a role among other measures in placing students in English and math classes.

The event will also provide a tour of Rio Hondo College’s Automotive Technology Department, which has launched a four-year Bachelor of Science degree as part of a historic state pilot program, and of the College’s Career Technical Education facilities.

A program fair will provide information about Rio Hondo College’s student services programs.

The breakfast is a prelude to the annual Senior Preview Days scheduled for Feb. 23-24, when hundreds of local high school seniors will visit the school.

“Outreach efforts such as our counselor breakfast, Senior Preview Days and the many programs we run with K-12 schools are critical to ensuring students are aware of the opportunities that await at Rio Hondo College,” Board of Trustees President Mary Ann Pacheco said. “The College plays an essential role in helping students realize their dreams, from helping them gain admission to a four-year institution to offering the training needed to enter today’s highly competitive workforce.”