Å®ÓÅapp

Å®ÓÅapp’s Rising Scholars Program provides a safe, supportive, equitable, and empowering educational environment for students impacted by the carceral system. The Rising Scholars program equips students with the tools they need to achieve their highest potential through higher education.  Understanding that each student has their own unique set of experiences and challenges, the Rising Scholars team seeks to identify and alleviate potential barriers for our students. The goal of the program is to assist students throughout their college journey, from application to graduation.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Rising Scholars program, you must be:

• Enrolled in at least one credit or noncredit class at Å®ÓÅapp
• Currently or formerly incarcerated or detained
  • System-impacted students – those students with close relatives whom have been incarcerated or students who have been arrested, convicted or adjudicated without incarceration or detention – may be eligible to receive many services.

Program Services

• Academic counseling
• Support system of Å®ÓÅapp personnel, faculty and students
• Career assessments
• Tutoring
• Peer support
• Events, workshops and field trips
• Connections to on-campus and community resources
• Financial Assistance (based on available funding)
• Partnership with California State University Project Rebound and the University of California Underground Scholars

How to Apply

Please submit the

Contact Us

Phone: (951) 222-8040
Email: RisingScholars@rcc.edu 

Rising Scholars Video Showing Inside CDCRRising Scholars Video Showing Inside CDCR

This Rising Scholars video is playing daily in all CDCR prisons. It lets incarcerated people know that the California community colleges will welcome them when they come home and provides descriptions of a few different community college pathways. It features interviews with two formerly incarcerated college staff who are working in Rising Scholars programs.

Meet the Rising Scholars Support Team

Dr. Adrienne Grayson - Associate Dean, Educational Partnerships
Email: adrienne.grayson@rcc.edu
Phone: 951-222-8641

LaRon Armstead - Counselor
Email: laron.armstead@rccd.edu 

Rosana Gomez - Educational Advisor
Email: rosana.gomez@rcc.edu 

Khessa Slaughter - Educational Advisor
Email: kheesa.slaughter@rcc.edu 

Elizabeth Villegas - Student Support Services Coordinator
Email: elizabeth.villegas@rcc.edu 
Phone: (951) 222-8968