WHITTIER – Rio Hondo College will host the third event of an ambitious five-session community forum series at 6 p.m. Thursday, March. 19, to share details about innovative new programs for achieving student success and to gather community feedback on College services.

“As a community-focused institution, it’s critical that we take opportunities like this to meet directly with those we serve,” said Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss. “This event serves to gather new insights on what we’re already doing or could be doing better, while also allowing us to share some of the wonderful new programs we are implementing.”

The March 19 forum will be held at Whittier High School, 12417 Philadelphia St., Whittier. A short general session will be followed by a trio of breakout stations in which College leaders will talk directly with community members about campus initiatives.

One station will highlight Rio Hondo College’s Honors and Transfer programs, which include the Pathway to Law School initiative. The initiative was launched in fall 2014 to enhance opportunities and advancement in the legal profession for diverse populations, particularly student groups who have been underrepresented.

A second station will focus on the College’s Career Pathways, which include public safety, nursing and auto technology. The College’s public safety program is the second largest in the state; its fire academy offers some of the most intensive training available to firefighters.

The third station will focus on student services, including the College’s First Year Student Success Center. The center helps guide first-year students through the transition to higher education.

During the forums, prospective students will have a chance to meet faculty from the College’s nursing, fire, police and auto technology divisions. A short survey will provide a streamlined method for attendees to share their perspectives on College services.

The forums are the first held by Rio Hondo College since spring 2012, when a series of forums at local high schools provided community insight that helped validate deeper investments by the College into counseling and other support services for first-year students.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity to our community, especially to students who now are considering their college options or will be in the future,” said Madeline Shapiro, president of the Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees. “Their feedback will help us to continue to shape our programs and services to meet the community’s needs most effectively.”

Each forum will run until 7:30 p.m. and include a light snack.

The remaining two sessions will be held as follows:

  • Thursday, April 9: Los Nietos Middle School, 11425 Rivera Road, Whittier
  • Thursday, April 23: East Whittier Middle School, 14421 E. Whittier Blvd., Whittier