Río Hondo College has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant to fund the Hope Scholars Program, a basic needs assistance project that provides holistic support services for unhoused and transitionally unhoused students. The College was one of five schools nationally to be recognized with the Basic Needs in Postsecondary Education award by the Federal Department of Education. On Dec. 29, Río Hondo College received notification of the award, which will be used for the continued support of unhoused and transitionally unhoused students. The total funds, amounting $989,798, will increase staffing for the Hope Scholars Program.
Rio Hondo College students will soon have the opportunity to earn $10,000 toward their college education by participating in the recently launched Californians For All College Corps.
Río Hondo College is one of 45 institutions selected for the program, which provides students with financial support if they participate in community service opportunities such as climate action, K-12 education, COVID-19 recovery and food distribution.
Californians For All College Corps was created to alleviate the rising student debt challenges faced by California students, which is estimated at $147 billion according to EdSource. The program was announced Jan. 18 by California Chief Service Officer and the head of California Volunteers Josh Fryday, California Governor Gavin Newsom and the leaders of California’s college and university systems.
Río Hondo College Students Receive Financial Support for Volunteerism
Río Hondo College students will soon have the opportunity to earn $10,000 toward their college education by participating in the recently launched Californians For All College Corps. Río Hondo College is one of 45 institutions selected for the program, which provides students with financial support if they participate in community service opportunities such as climate action, K-12 education, COVID-19 recovery and food distribution. The program was announced Jan. 18 by California Chief Service Officer and the head of California Volunteers Josh Fryday, California Governor Gavin Newsom and the leaders of California’s college and university systems.
Río Hondo College professor, playwright and alumnus Josh Gallegos is bidding the College farewell after more than 50 years of memories in athletics, speech and debate, performing arts and overall excellence. Gallegos has served as an adjunct professor for Río Hondo College’s Division of Communications and Languages since 1981, but his longstanding relationship with Río Hondo College began as a student.
Río Hondo College has been gifted a 2002 American La France fire engine to further enhance its Fire Academy training program and provide additional support for emergency services in neighboring areas. The engine, which pumps 1,500 gallons per minute, was donated by the City of Montebello’s Fire Department to the College on Dec. 22 at the City of Montebello Community/Civic Center. The ceremony was attended by Montebello Mayor Kimberly Ann Cobos-Cawthorne, Mayor Pro Tem Angie Jimenez, Montebello Fire Chief Fernando Pelaez, Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss, Río Hondo College Public Safety Dean Mark Yokoyama, two Río Hondo College Board of Trustees members and the city’s fire crew.
Río Hondo College solidified a partnership with Whittier College, which allows Río Hondo College students to stay in the Whittier College residence halls in exchange for re-housing vouchers, during the Dec. 8 Board of Trustees meeting. The partnership between Río Hondo College and Whittier College aims to alleviate the housing issues faced by some socio-economically disadvantaged students. This partnership was approved to start in Spring 2022 and end June 30, 2026.
Río Hondo College Hosts Assemblymember Lisa Calderon for Visit
Río Hondo College welcomed Assemblymember Lisa Calderon onto campus, acknowledging her ongoing efforts to boost funding for education and her work to improve surrounding communities. Calderon, who represents the 57th State Assembly District, has been a key figure for allocating additional state funds to schools and community colleges, which Río Hondo College plans to use for capital construction projects. During her visit, Calderon delivered a check for $6.6 million.
Río Hondo College students, staff and administrators gave firsthand accounts of how studying abroad can expand one’s mind, provide language immersion and teach cultural diversity during an experience exchange forum, hosted by the Indo-Pacific Research Center on Nov. 30. The forum, held at the Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Monterey Park, featured Río Hondo College Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss, Computer Science Professor Dr. Shin Liu and 10 students to talk about the College’s partnership with the Taiwanese government for its study abroad program.
Río Hondo College has been named a 2021 Equity Champion for Higher Education by the Campaign for College Opportunity, which recognized the College’s Associate Degree for Transfer program as an exemplary supporter of Latinx students. Río Hondo College will receive the award during a virtual ceremony on Nov. 16, alongside other esteemed community colleges who support Black and Latinx students through Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) programs. By earning an ADT, students meet all the general education requirements at a four-year university and are guaranteed acceptance to a California State University.
Río Hondo College Holds Virtual Undocumented Student Action Week
Río Hondo College’s Student Success and Dream Center celebrated its undocumented community during Virtual Undocumented Student Action Week, held from Oct. 18-22, heralding the 20-year anniversary of the landmark State of California civil rights legislation AB 540, which guaranteed undocumented students pay the same in-person tuition rate for California colleges and universities. The week provided the College’s undocumented community access to information and resources and encouraged them to share their personal journeys. Highlights included a virtual art gallery, panel discussions, and an UndocuFamily Night with a focus on immigration rights and mental health.
