Administrators and Board of Trustees Advocate for Students in Washington, D.C.
Posted on March 4, 2025 by Río Hondo College | Category: Homepage News,Press Releases
(Whittier, Calif.) – Over three days in February, Río Hondo College (RHC) administrators and members of the Board of Trustees attended the Community College National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. More than 1,000 community college leaders attended this premier community college advocacy event, which emphasized the importance of our nation’s community colleges for Congress and the Administration.
At the summit, attendees heard from members of U.S. Congress, administration officials, leading political analysts and others. Topics included the climate in D.C., the post-election outlook and legislative issues impacting community colleges.
Attendees included Board of Trustee President Oscar Valladares (Area 5), Board of Trustee Vice President Rosaelva Lomeli (Area 3), Board of Trustee Clerk Yarisma Rocha (Trustee Area 2) and Student Trustee Hesma Valdes.
As part of the summit, Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) members traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials. Lawmakers expressed bipartisan support for community colleges. There were also community college alums and first-generation college students who urged community college leaders to advocate for their colleges and, most importantly, students.
The College administrators and Board of Trustees met with the Offices of Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, as well as Representatives Linda T. Sánchez and Gil Cisneros. They also met with republican leaders on the U.S. House of Education and Agriculture Committees to discuss priorities and offer their perspectives. Common ground was identified concerning support for Pell Grants, TRIO and Workforce Development Programs – highlighting the ongoing need for adequately skilled first responders, automotive technicians and nurses.
Trustee Valladares shared his support for the Pell Grant Program. “I am always honored to advocate for Student Success that includes Career Ready Education with all federal representatives,” said Board of Trustee President Valladares. “Access to Short-Term Pell Grants will help career workforce education students to receive the skills needed to reenter or enter the workforce.”
Trustee Lomeli stressed the importance of supporting student programs. “Since Río Hondo College is receiving four TRIO grants, we continue to advocate for the ongoing protection of the U.S. Department of Education,” said Board of Trustee Vice President Lomeli. “We value TRIO programs that provide students with resources to achieve student success.”
With the background of being a full-time parent and student, Trustee Rocha advocated for funding to support this student population. “As a former student who faced the challenge of juggling my parenting responsibilities with the demands of education, I advocated for the maintenance of Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) funds that support students at Río Hondo College who are parents,” said Board of Trustee Clerk Rocha.
CCAMPIS are grants provided to institutions of higher education by the federal government to support or establish campus-based childcare services that primarily serve the needs of low-income students.
Student Trustee Valdes shared her moving testimony about overcoming adversities. “I shared my lived experiences and the benefits of programs and services, such as Pell Grant, TRIO, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) and Basic Needs,” said Student Trustee Valdes. “This assistance has allowed me to thrive in my academics and as a student-athlete.”
Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores and Director of Government and Community Relations Dr. Russell Castañeda Calleros also attended the summit.
Moving into 2025 and beyond, the College administrators and Board of Trustees will continue to communicate with members of Congress and senators in a collective effort to maintain access to higher education for all.
To learn more about Río Hondo College, please visit RioHondo.edu.
RHC_WashingtonDC1: Board of Trustees and College Superintendent/President in Washington, D.C.
RHC_WashingtonDC2: Board of Trustees, College Superintendent/President and Government & Community Relations Director in Washington, D.C.
RHC_WashingtonDC3: Board of Trustees, College Superintendent/President, Government & Community Relations Director and Representative Gil Cisneros in Washington, D.C.