The California Community Colleges are committed to serving students who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. Colleges supporting these students proudly form the Rising Scholars Network.
Serving California's Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Community College Students.
Ensuring a Commitment to Quality and Student Success
We are a network of California Community Colleges committed to serving incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students by providing degree-granting programs in correctional facilities and on-campus support for students who have experienced the criminal justice system. We partner with every community college to build strong pathways from incarceration to higher education. Learn more about a program in your area.
Join our call to action.
Resources for Partners
The Rising Scholars team collects and develops resources to help partners gain deeper understanding of and incorporate the unique needs of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students into their programs.
Guiding Principles
In support of the pursuit of excellence for all California Community College students, the Rising Scholars Advisory Committee has adopted a series of principles to guide colleges as they exercise their local control to serve formerly incarcerated students.
Partner
with Us
Interested in partnering with us or supporting our work? Learn more about our program partners and how you can help.
Voices from the Field
A College Expands and Finds Success
Click on a video to learn more about experiences in Rising Scholars Network programs.
When you empower somebody and you provide them an opportunity to go to school, they will.