FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | RELEASE DATE: July 14, 2025 | CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz (562) 692-0921
(Whittier, Calif.) — California State University Dominguez Hills, on behalf of Toro Auxiliary Partners, has awarded Río Hondo College a $20,000 grant to support the college’s LEGACIE+ Male Success Initiatives program, aimed at improving the academic and social outcomes of men of color.
The grant will fund a variety of student-centered “Change Ideas” to increase retention, success, and graduation rates for young men of color. Specifically, the funds will support basic needs, workshops, mental health resources and leadership development throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. The first installment of $10,000 will be disbursed before the Fall 2025 term, with the second installment following at the start of the Spring 2026 semester.
LEGACIE+ is a student support initiative dedicated to addressing the persistent opportunity gaps faced by men of color, including Black, Latino, and other historically underrepresented groups. Under the leadership of Program Manager Reggie Robles, Ph.D., LEGACIE+ will implement strategies such as culturally relevant mentorship, leadership development, and integrated support in culturally responsive Gateway Courses.
This funding aligns with the goals of the CSU Young Men of Color (YMOC) Consortium, a statewide collective focused on improving the academic and social outcomes for men of color in higher education. For more information about the YMOC Consortium, visit https://csuymoc.org.
"This grant is a significant opportunity for Río Hondo College to further our mission of closing achievement gaps and empowering young men of color to succeed academically and personally. Through the LEGACIE+ program, we are able to provide essential resources and mentorship that will help these students reach their full potential." – Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss.
To learn more about Río Hondo College’s LEGACIE+ Male Success Initiatives, visit www.riohondo.edu/LEGACIE.