FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | RELEASE DATE: November 9, 2026 | CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz (562) 692-0921
Hope Scholars Program stands out among 89 submissions nationwide for its innovative approach to housing stability and student success.
(Whittier, Calif.) — Río Hondo College has been named a Top 10 national finalist for the 2027 Bellwether Award in the Instructional Programs and Services category, recognizing its innovative Hope Scholars program and its success in helping students experiencing housing insecurity achieve their educational goals.
The College’s submission, “Hope Scholars: Advancing Success for Housing-Insecure Students,” was selected by the Bellwether College Consortium from a competitive field of 89 submissions representing 78 community colleges across 29 states. The prestigious Bellwether Awards recognize community colleges demonstrating innovation, measurable student success and programs with potential to be replicated nationwide.
Río Hondo College will advance to the final round of competition at the 33rd Annual Community College Futures Assembly, Feb. 21-23, 2027, in San Antonio, Texas, where one national winner will be selected in each of the three award categories.
"This recognition reflects our belief that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face outside the classroom," said Superintendent/President Dr. Don Moya-Miller. "Housing insecurity should never determine a student's educational future. Rooted in our culture of care, Hope Scholars provides the stability, resources and support students need to achieve their goals. We are incredibly proud to see this work recognized nationally."
Established in 2017, Hope Scholars serves approximately 160 students annually, providing comprehensive support that includes housing assistance, case management, mental health services, academic advising, emergency financial assistance and connections to essential resources.
“Our students have tremendous potential, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that challenges like housing insecurity don’t stand in the way of their success,” said Board President Rosaelva Lomeli. “We’re incredibly proud of the Hope Scholars program and the national recognition it has earned for creating meaningful opportunities for students.”
The program's success is reflected in measurable student outcomes:
- 90.8% academic persistence or completion: Among student terms with recorded academic outcomes, 90.8% resulted in persistence to the following term or completion of a degree or certificate.
- 135 degrees and certificates earned: Of the 306 students included in the program's reported outcomes, 89 students earned at least one degree or certificate.
- Improved course success rates: Course success increased from 67.2% in the program's first year to 73.6% in 2024-25.
“Students experiencing housing insecurity often face extraordinary challenges while pursuing their education,” said Dean of Student Wellness and Resources Dr. Jessica Perea. “Hope Scholars demonstrates the power of meeting students where they are and providing meaningful support that allows them to focus on their education, achieve important milestones and build brighter futures.”
The program’s effectiveness was independently evaluated by the Center for Equitable Higher Education, which identified Hope Scholars as an evidence-based practice for supporting housing-insecure community college students.
Building on its success, Río Hondo College partnered with John Burton Advocates for Youth to develop the Hope Scholars Toolkit, providing implementation guides, staffing models and resources to help other colleges establish similar programs. The toolkit has been shared statewide through the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and at national higher education conferences.
"This recognition is particularly meaningful because Hope Scholars demonstrates what is possible when colleges rethink how they support students experiencing housing insecurity," said Shaina Phillips, associate vice president of Strategic Partnerships and executive director of the Foundation. "We've moved beyond responding to individual emergencies to building a coordinated model that supports housing stability, academic persistence and long-term success. Through our partnerships and the development of a statewide toolkit, we're also helping other colleges strengthen their capacity to serve students facing similar barriers."
Hope Scholars is strengthened by partnerships with organizations, including the Los Angeles Regional Food Band, Jovenes Inc., Whittier College, Los Angeles County and the Río Hondo College Foundation.
At the national competition, Dr. Moya-Miller, Shaina Phillips, Dr. Jessica Perea and Dr. Rashida Crutchfield, executive director of the Center for Equitable Higher Education, will present the Hope Scholars model, its measurable outcomes and opportunities for replication at other institutions.
The Bellwether Awards recognize outstanding community college programs in three categories: Instructional Programs and Services, Workforce Development, and Planning, Governance and Finance.
Support Hope Scholars
Community members, alumni and supporters can help expand Hope Scholars by making a donation through the Río Hondo College Foundation. Contributions provide essential resources and assistance to students experiencing housing insecurity. To contribute, visit riohondo.edu/foundation/ways-to-give/ and designate your gift to Hope Scholars.
About Río Hondo College
Río Hondo College is a public community college in Whittier, California, serving approximately 20,000 students each semester throughout the San Gabriel Valley and southeastern Los Angeles County. The College offers associate degrees, university transfer programs, career and technical education and bachelor's degree opportunities. Through innovative academic programs, student support services and community partnerships, the College is committed to expanding educational access and advancing student success.
For more information, visit riohondo.edu.
