Rio Hondo named 'military friendly' school

WHITTIER - For the fourth consecutive year Victory Media and G.I. Jobs magazine has designated Rio Hondo College as a "Military Friendly School."The 2013 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace America's military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus. The 1,739 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year's list demonstrate leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. "Rio Hondo is deeply committed to supporting the men and women who have served, and those who are now serving, in the armed forces," said Rio Hondo Board President Norma Garcia. "Our Veterans Service Center staff is dedicated, committed, and works extremely hard to support Veterans by providing a wide array of programs and services." Since its establishment in 2008, the Rio Hondo College Veterans Service Center has served more than 4,000 veterans and eligible dependents from five branches of the United States Armed Services annually. Last May the Vons Foundation presented $10,000 to the Rio Hondo College Foundation to benefit veteran students through the Veterans Emergency Loan Program. Temporary loans from the Veterans Emergency Loan Program are a critical source of support for students in the process of securing their veteran Financial Educational Benefits. Emergency funds made possible through the Vons Foundation contribution will enable veteran students to begin classes and purchase books and supplies until benefits arrive. The 2013 Military Friendly Schools list was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 VA-approved schools nationwide. The survey results were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weightings and methodology established by G.I. Jobs.

********** Published: October 25, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 28