Hope Scholars
Welcome to Hope Scholars—a compassionate community rooted in the belief that every student deserves the stability and resources necessary to achieve their academic dreams.
Services & Support
Flexible, layered support that meets students where they are.
📚 Priority Registration & Planning
- Priority registration for eligible students
- Academic planning and educational goal-setting
- Dedicated counseling with the Hope Counselor
- Career counseling and job placement assistance
🛒 Grocery Cards & Book Vouchers
- Grocery cards for qualified students
- Book vouchers to reduce textbook costs
- Access to food pantries and basic needs support
🏠 Housing Resources
- Assistance connecting to housing resources
- Referrals to local community housing providers
- Collaboration with partner organizations
🌟 Peer Mentorship & Community
- Peer mentorship opportunities
- Community-building activities and workshops
- A supportive space where you’re understood
Eligibility Requirements
Supporting students navigating homelessness or housing instability.
✓ Am I Eligible?
Current Rio Hondo College students who are unhoused, transitionally unhoused, or experiencing significant housing instability are eligible. Students must be enrolled in courses and demonstrate commitment to their educational goals.
- Current Rio Hondo College student
- Currently unhoused or experiencing housing instability
- Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA
- Enrolled in at least 9 units (unless accommodated), working toward 12 units
- Work with Hope Counselor to update educational plan
- Complete at least three program contacts per semester
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about services, eligibility, and how to get started.
Hope Scholars is a specialized initiative designed to support community college students experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The program provides academic support, priority enrollment, resource navigation, and financial resources to help students successfully pursue their educational goals.
- Priority registration and academic planning
- Housing resource connections
- Dedicated academic counseling
- Grocery cards and book vouchers
- Food pantry and basic needs access
- Career counseling and job placement
- Peer mentorship and community activities
Rio Hondo College students who are currently unhoused, transitionally unhoused, or experiencing significant housing instability. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, be enrolled in at least 9 units (unless accommodated), work with the Hope Counselor on their educational plan, and complete at least three program contacts per semester.
Apply directly through the Hope Scholars Program office or designated campus staff, clearly indicating your housing situation. Additional documentation or a personal statement outlining your circumstances may be required.
While Hope Scholars doesn’t directly provide housing, we offer guidance and assistance in connecting students to local community housing resources and partner organizations to help secure stable accommodations.
Yes. Qualified students can receive grocery cards and book vouchers to support their educational expenses and basic living needs.
Contact Dianka Lohay at [email protected] or visit us at the Rio Source Room in SS-350. can help connect you to the program.