Rising Scholars

Greetings!

Welcome to the Rising Scholars Program! We proudly serve currently and formerly incarcerated students, as well as individuals impacted by the juvenile justice system. Through strong partnerships with Valley State Prison (VSP), Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), United States Penitentiary, Atwater (USP), and Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex (JJCC), we create meaningful opportunities and clear pathways from incarceration to higher education. Our mission is to eliminate barriers, empower students to achieve success, and provide support to help every student achieve their academic, and personal goals.

Your Rising Scholars team is here to guide you, support your goals, and celebrate your success every step of the way.

Get Started Today!

For questions or assistance, contact 209-384-6399

Complete the Interest/Referral Form
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  • Currently Incarcerated

    As of today, our program offers over 20+ courses and serve 500+ students.

    Currently Incarcerated

  • Formerly Incarcerated

    The College offers support to justice-impacted students through our Rising Scholars program.

    Justice Impacted Students

Eligibility

  1. Justice-impacted individuals, including:
    • Those formerly incarcerated in a California correctional facility (e.g., prison or jail)
    • Those considered juvenile justice-impacted, such as individuals arrested, detained, or referred to probation as a youth and under the age of 26
  2. Currently enrolled in a for-credit course or a noncredit course that is part of a certificated program

Services for Rising Scholars Participants

  • Academic counseling with a counselor who has experience working with justice-impacted students
  • Referral to campus and community resources
  • Computer access, a study area, and free printing
  • Loaner laptops (while supplies last)
  • Transportation and meal assistance (while supplies last)
  • Purchase assistance for textbooks and class supplies
  • Skills building workshops, activities and events, and campus tours
  • Peer Support
  • A Rising Scholars Program stole for participant graduates

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