Skip to Content
  • Calendar
  • Directory
  • Quick Links
    • AccessRio
    • Bookstore
    • Canvas
    • Library
    • Maps, Locations, Transportation
    • Río Email
  • Apply Now
  • Open Website Search
  • Río Hondo College
  • Open Website Search
  • ADMISSIONS & AID
        • Getting Started
          Admissions FAQ
          Records
          Registration
          Residency Information
          Transcripts
          Using AccessRío
          Virtual Welcome Center

        • Applying for Aid
          Cost of Attendance
          Financial Aid
          Scholarships

  • ACADEMICS & SUPPORT
        • Academic Divisions
          Areas of Study
          Bachelor’s Program
          Academic Calendar
          Distance Education
          College Catalog
          Continuing Education
          Guided Pathways
          Honors Program
          Training Academies

        • Career & Re-entry
          Counseling Center
          Health & Wellness
          Library
          Petition to Graduate
          Student Health Center
          Support Programs
          Transfer Center
          Tutoring

  • CAMPUS & COMMUNITY
        • Campus Life
          Clubs & Organizations
          Student Government
          Student Guide

        • Río Hondo Foundation
          Roadrunner Athletics

  • ABOUT RÍO HONDO
        • Accreditation
          Administration
          Finance & Business
          Grant Development & Management
          Government & Community Relations
          History

        • Locations & Centers
          Police & Campus Safety
          Student Outcomes Data

  • AccessRio
  • Canvas
  • Río Email
  • Directory
  • Maps
  • Enroll Now
X

Rio Hondo College - Home Page / News / Programs At Río Hondo College Launch Former Foster Youth Toward Success

Programs At Río Hondo College Launch Former Foster Youth Toward Success

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Río Hondo College | Category: Homepage News,Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / RELEASE DATE: February 24, 2025 / CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz 562-692-0921

(Whittier, Calif.) – The Guardian Scholars and NextUp Programs at Río Hondo College (RHC) provide essential services to current and former foster youth, fostering their academic, career and personal success. The programs aim to offer above-standard services and support, including more intensive care and academic support.

Guardian Scholars is a chapter-based organization on California’s college campuses that supports students with foster care experience. The concept was formulated at California State University, Fullerton and focuses on increasing college enrollment, retention and graduation rates among former foster youth as a pathway toward stability. NextUp is a supplemental program, supported by the California Community Colleges, to provide expanded resources.

Currently, RHC serves 165 students with foster care experience who are eligible for Guardian Scholars or NextUp Programs.

Faylen Bush

Faylen Bush was a former foster youth who experienced housing insecurity and juvenile detention. Years later, as a married man and father of three, he was laid off from work and decided to return to college to complete his educational goals. Bush chose to attend RHC and was introduced to the Guardian Scholars Program, where he had access to resources.

Almost two years after returning to college, Bush has remained steadfast in his studies. He attributes his success to the persistent program staff and the services offered, including textbook assistance, counseling, meal vouchers, basic needs support, various workshops and more. Referrals to on- and off-campus resources, such as therapy, rental assistance, shelters, and employment opportunities, are also available.

“Río Hondo College is an institution committed to fostering opportunity; we believe every student deserves the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of their background,” said Río Hondo Community College Board of Trustees President Oscar Valladares. “Our programs for foster youth empower students to achieve their educational goals.”

According to the National Foster Youth Institute, about half of the youth raised in foster care finish high school. Less than 5% graduate from a four-year college, and 2-6% complete a degree from a two-year college.

Bush prevailed and will soon transfer to a university to complete his bachelor’s degree in psychology. He would like to pursue a career in counseling. Graduating from college is a life-transforming achievement for young people with foster care backgrounds.

“The success of our foster youth is a testament to the dedicated staff at RHC who support them,” said RHC Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores. “Their commitment to education, mentorship and advocacy transforms lives and opens doors to a brighter future.”

The Guardian Scholars Program is open to RHC registered students of any age who have been in the foster care system for any length of time. The NextUp Program is open to RHC students who are enrolled in a minimum of one unit and were in foster care, specifically at age 13 or older and are 25 years or younger when they first enter the program.

To read Faylen Bush’s story featured in EdSource, click here. Find more information about the NextUp and Guardian Scholars Programs at RHC by clicking here. At Río, classes start every 8-weeks.

3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921

Comments? Questions?
Contact Us

YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

Helpful Links

  • BoardDocs
  • Directory
  • Financial Aid Resources
  • HEERF / CARES Act Grants
  • Important Dates & Deadlines
  • International Students
  • Parking Services and Permits

About

  • About Río Hondo College
  • Accreditation
  • Administration & Governance
  • Board of Trustees
  • Student Outcomes Data
  • Superintendent/ President
  • Vision, Mission & Values
login to Canvas
visit the AccessRio Student Portal


© 2013 - 2025 Río Hondo Community College | Non-Discrimination Statement | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy

Go Anywhere.
Campus will be closed May 26 & 27.

Dear Río Hondo College Community:

Please note that our campus will be closed on Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day and Tuesday, May 27, in observance of National Day of Mourning for Jimmy Carter. Campus will resume normal operations on Wednesday, May 28. Have a great and safe weekend!

 

H2 Heading

H3 Heading

H4 Heading

H5 Heading

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.