Rio Promise

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Río Promise Program

The Río Promise Program 2.0 is designed to serve college students to ensure their success in completing a certificate, degree, and/or transfer to a four-year university. Río Hondo College offers FREE tuition for 2 Years by covering students’ enrollment fees only (the cost of classes) for the Fall and Spring primary semesters of their first and second years. Funded by AB19 (Assembly Bill 19), the Río Promise award aims to fulfill the academic potential of first-time students in college—regardless of age and household income—by providing guidance and continuous support through their entire student experience.

Year 1 Requirements

  • Be a first-time or returning college student and a California resident (Eligible AB540/ Dream Act status) for in-state tuition fees
  • Earned a High School diploma, GED, or equivalency
  • Enroll in a minimum of 12+ units* (unless 6+ units are approved by the Disabled Students Program and Services) in Fall and Spring
  • Submit a financial aid application (FAFSA/California Dream Act) and complete all required forms from the Financial Aid office
  • Maintain good Student Academic Progress (SAP) status
  • Pursue an eligible program of study — AA/AS degree or certificate

Year 2 Requirements

  • Have been enrolled as a first-time college student during the previous academic school year
  • Enroll in a minimum of 12+ units* (unless 6+ units are approved by the Disabled Students Program and Services) in Fall and Spring
  • Submit a financial aid application (FAFSA /California Dream Act) and complete all required forms from the Financial Aid office
  • Maintain good Student Academic Progress (SAP) status
  • Pursue an eligible program of study — AA/AS degree or certificate

Additional information about qualifying for the program includes:

  • Tuition assistance is only available during Fall and Spring terms (12 units are required, unless in DSPS)
  • Summer tuition assistance is limited and dependent on the availability of funding (12 units and consent from Rio Promise counselor are required)
  • Accommodations for minimum enrollment may be provided, as appropriate to students in the Disabled Students Program & Services
  • Students must be California residents, permanent residents, or qualify for the AB540 nonresident tuition exemption
  • Students are responsible for paying the health fee, student fees, upper division course fees, material fees, and parking, when applicable

How can a student start with Rio Promise?

  • APPLY TO RIO HONDO COLLEGE
    Submit an application online at www.riohondo.edu, select “Get Started”
  • ONLINE ORIENTATION & ASSESSMENT/PLACEMENT TOOL
    To complete, log in at www.riohondo.edu, select “AccessRio”
  • EDUCATIONAL PLAN
    Complete one of the following:
  • Attend an Educational Planning Workshop, or
  • Enroll in a Counseling 105 class (if offered at your high school), or
  • Make an appointment with a Rio Hondo College Counselor

FAFSA/DREAM ACT

Questions:

If you need help with these steps, connect with the Rio Hondo College Outreach Representative at your high school, or call the Student Success and Dream Center at (562) 463-6650.