The Rio Hondo Community Development Corporation awarded $8,700 to local students through its new Housing For All Scholarship, supporting youth from low-income households in their pursuit of higher education and career training.
Baldwin Park Students Honored by Housing For All Scholarship
The Rio Hondo Community Development Corporation (RHCDC) awarded $8,700 in scholarships and support grants at its inaugural Housing For All Scholarship ceremony, held June 25 at the Courtyard Marriott in Baldwin Park. The program, launched this year, aims to support students from low-income households pursuing higher education, vocational training, or career advancement.
RHCDC awarded four $2,000 scholarships and seven $100 educational support grants to recognize students for academic excellence, perseverance, and service to their communities. The awards are part of RHCDC’s broader commitment to addressing poverty through education and housing stability.
Housing For All Scholarship Recognizes Local Scholars
Two Rosemead High School seniors, Carmen Ung and Allison Lai, were present to receive their full scholarships. Ung will attend Yale University to study computer science. Lai will also attend Yale, majoring in political science and ethics.
Two additional recipients—Karen Solis, who is studying sociology at Georgetown University, and Kayla Ngo, who will study biopharmaceutical sciences at the University of Southern California—were recognized in absentia.
The seven $100 grants were awarded to applicants who impressed the scholarship committee with their commitment to their educational goals and community involvement. Recipients represented a range of backgrounds and career interests, including healthcare, law, education, and public service.
Community Impact of Housing For All Scholarship
“Our goal was to recognize more than just a few standout applications—we wanted to support a broader group of students who are doing the hard work, showing up, and pushing forward despite challenges,” said RHCDC Executive Director Kenneth Ferreira. “Every single applicant was impressive, and we’re proud to walk alongside them in their journey.”
RHCDC Board President Michael McClure emphasized the importance of community investment in the lives of young people. “These students are the future of our communities,” McClure said. “This scholarship is just one step toward building long-term support systems that uplift individuals and strengthen families.”
The Housing For All Scholarship aligns with RHCDC’s mission to break the cycle of poverty through stable housing, educational access, and community empowerment. The organization plans to expand the scholarship fund in future years with support from donors and local partners.
To learn more or to get involved, visit www.riohondocdc.org.