Río Hondo College is creating a program to guide community college and K-12 students through an education pathway focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and back to local communities in much needed teaching roles. Called the Community Partnerships for Teacher Pipeline (CPTP), the program is made possible by a three-year, $2.9 million U.S. Department of Education Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant that Río Hondo College will share with El Camino College, Cerritos College and the Center for Collaborative Education. Each college partner will receive about $900,000 over the life of the grant.
Newly elected Río Hondo College Trustee Kristal Orozco says she will focus on strengthening the K-12 college pathway, enhancing job training and certification programs and driving improved student success during her first term. Orozco, who was elected Nov. 3, will take the Oath of Office at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 along with re-elected Trustee Vicky Santana. Orozco represents Trustee Area 4, which spans Los Nietos, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier and North Norwalk.
Río Hondo College administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Trustee Kristal Orozco and re-elected Trustee Vicky Santana during the Board of Trustees’ annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 16. Orozco is a substitute teacher and Santana, who was elected to her third term, works for the L.A. County Parks and Recreation Department. During the same meeting, Trustee Rosaelva Lomeli was named board president, Santana was named vice president and Orozco was named clerk for the coming year.
Río Hondo College Child Development Center Earns National Certification
Río Hondo College Child Development Center has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children. NAEYC Accreditation is a rigorous and transformative system that uses 10 research-based standards to collaborate with early education programs to recognize and drive improvement in high-quality early learning environments. The center is currently serving a reduced capacity of students in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions.
Vicky Santana was sworn in by U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez and Kristal Orozco was sworn in by newly elected California State Assemblymember Lisa Calderon. Shortly after, during a Special Board Meeting, Trustee Rosaelva Lomeli was selected as the new board president, Santana as vice president and Orozco as clerk.
Río Hondo College Child Development Center has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children. NAEYC Accreditation is a rigorous and transformative system that uses 10 research-based standards to collaborate with early education programs to recognize and drive improvement in high-quality early learning environments.
Río Hondo College Vote Center Serves 400-plus during Presidential Election
Río Hondo College served 222 individuals who cast their ballots at its Whittier hilltop Vote Center from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, as well as 200 voters who dropped off absentee ballots. The Vote Center was one of 11 in the community hosted as part of the Voting Solutions for All People (VSAP) program. VSAP enables voters to cast ballots with new, accessible ballot marking devices.
Río Hondo Police Academy celebrated the graduation of 49 cadets in Class No. 210 during a special drive-through ceremony held Nov. 5 at the College’s Whittier campus. The event featured the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipe and Drums Corps, a presentation of colors by the Pasadena Police Department Honor Guard and an invocation by Covina Police Chaplain Ron Butler. The class, which had been paused because of the pandemic, was trained in constitutional law, criminal law, domestic violence, traffic enforcement, emergency vehicle operations, tactical first aid and CPR, mental health, lifetime fitness, firearms, among other subjects mandated by Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Río Hondo College’s Board of Trustees adopted a 2020-21 budget on Oct. 29 that avoids the loss of staff and increases general fund reserves to $31.3 million despite state budget shortfalls created by the pandemic. The College has anticipated no increases from the state in funding over 2019-20 levels and will receive no cost-of-living adjustment. The unrestricted general fund budget estimates $92.2 million in revenue and $91.4 million in expenditures.
Río Hondo College’s Student Success and Dream Center will host a Virtual Undocumented Student Week of Action from Monday, Oct. 19 to Friday, Oct. 23 that carries the theme of “Dream to Believe.” This is the fourth annual celebration of the week, which is designed to build connections within the community of undocumented students, strengthen connections with the greater college community and advocate for community and government support.
