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 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.
