Río Hondo College Empowers the Next Generation through Invention and Innovation

With approximately 150 attendees, including nearly 80 high school students, the

 event showcased Río’s growing role as a hub for invention and opportunity. Attendees gained insight from keynote speakers Dr. Stephanie Couch, Executive Director, Lemelson-MIT, and David Coronado, Director of Invention Education, The Lemelson Foundation. Río Hondo College Board of Trustees Vice President Yarisma Rocha was also in attendance to support this inspiring event.

Río Hondo is noted for its groundbreaking “Innovation, Invention and Entrepreneurship Certificate” for students who participate in their Invention Program.

Dr. Couch noted, “I’m especially grateful that Río Hondo continues to use the word “invention” in the title of the certificate so that we are explicit in our efforts to address what I perceive as one of the biggest problems of our time – too few people are taught how to create, protect, and find funding for inventions that solve community problems and improve lives. The ability to patent is a constitutionally authorized right. It gives creators the ability to secure exclusive rights to discoveries for a limited time to ‘promote the progress of science and the useful arts.’ The implementing legislation for patenting has existed since 1790. For most of us this third path to prosperity seems out of reach and unattainable because we are not taught how to use it.”

The symposium featured a full day of engaging programming, from keynote insights to hands-on breakout sessions and a student pitch showcase. The agenda highlighted topics such as invention education, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and cross-sector innovation, offering participants a well-rounded view of how ideas evolve into real-world impact .

At the heart of the event was a commitment to student success. High school and college students had

 the opportunity to learn directly from experts, connect with mentors, and present their own ideas. The student pitch showcase, in particular, demonstrated the confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills that Río students are developing skills that translate directly into academic, career, and entrepreneurial pathways.

Beyond the classroom, the symposium reinforced the importance of community collaboration. By bringing together ambassadors, faculty, city officials, industry professionals, and organizations like The Lemelson-MIT Program and Qualcomm, Río created a space where diverse perspectives could spark new ideas and partnerships. This kind of ecosystem not only supports student growth but also strengthens the local economy and fosters a culture of innovation throughout the region.

Events like the Río Innovates Symposium reflect Río Hondo College’s dedication to expanding access to innovation and entrepreneurship education.

 Through initiatives supported by programs like the Title V Grant, Río is actively building pathways for underrepresented students to participate in high-impact learning experiences and emerging industries.

As the energy from the event continues to ripple outward, one thing is clear: innovation thrives when people come together with purpose. At Río, that spirit of collaboration is shaping the future, one idea, one student, and one community at a time.