Río Hondo College Encourages Volunteerism at #CaliforniansForAll College Corps Recruitment Event

May 2, 2022

by: Rio Hondo College

WHITTIER – Río Hondo College’s Board of Trustees President and two of its Board Members met with California Volunteers Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday, State Senator Maria Elena Durazo and administrators of other local colleges to encourage more civic engagement through the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps.

The event, which was held at Cal State LA and livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook, brought together the program’s biggest supporters to encourage more students to enroll, learn and earn money to pay for college.

“With the College Corps, students no longer have to choose between their passion or a paycheck, between their career or their community,” Fryday said. “We have historic crises here in California; an existential climate crisis, growing economic, educational, and racial inequalities, mind-boggling food insecurities and we know our young people are looking for an opportunity to step up and be part of the solution.”

Río Hondo College is one of 48 institutions selected for the #CaliforniansForAllCollege College Corps program, which provides students with up to $10,000 for college if they participate in community service opportunities for one year with approved organizations working in fields such as climate action, K-12 education and food distribution. Over the next two years, College Corps will provide financial assistance for 6,500 California students.

“The #CaliforniansForAllCollege Corps is a game-changing program,” Board of Trustees President Vicky Santana said. “We at Río Hondo College are proud to be a part of this program that drives student success while also helping our communities. We believe that the students who participate will walk away with deep, meaningful hands-on experience that will help shape both their careers and personal lives all while supporting them financially.”

#CaliforniansForAllCollege 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 Fryday, California Governor Gavin Newsom and the leaders of California’s college and university systems.

“Río Hondo College is thrilled to be part of the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps. We believe that community service and philanthropy are paramount to making our world a better place,” Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss said. “Moreover, we love the fact that this program provides our students with financial assistance that will ensure they continue their education while remaining debt-free as they move toward their dreams.”

Applications opened April 1. Students can learn more and apply by visiting: www.cacollegecorps.com. The recruitment event can be seen on YouTube and Facebook.