Columbia College's Rising Scholars Program: A Decade of Transforming Lives Through Prison Education

Columbia College's Rising Scholars Program has been making a significant impact on the lives of incarcerated students since 2015. The program offers classes, academic guidance, and services to hundreds of inmates annually, working in partnership with Sierra Conservation Center and its fire camps. This initiative aims to level the playing field for formerly incarcerated individuals by providing education and skills crucial for finding employment upon release.

The program's success has not gone unnoticed. Columbia College recently received a $1.5 million grant to expand its efforts to juvenile justice. Additionally, the Rising Scholars Program has been selected as one of a handful of community colleges to lead California's efforts in improving education programs for incarcerated students. This recognition demonstrates the program's effectiveness and potential as a model for change.

Research from the American Journal of Criminal Justice supports the value of prison education programs like Rising Scholars. These initiatives have been shown to decrease recidivism rates while increasing post-release employment opportunities and wages. The Rising Scholars Program at Columbia College continues to transform lives, offering hope and practical skills to those seeking a fresh start after incarceration.

History of the Rising Scholars Program

Columbia College's Rising Scholars Program has its roots in a commitment to providing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals. The program has evolved significantly since its inception, expanding its reach and impact over the years.

Origins and Evolution

The Rising Scholars Program at Columbia College began in 2015 with a focus on offering classes to inmates in local prisons. This initiative was part of a broader effort to address the educational needs of incarcerated individuals and support their rehabilitation. The program initially partnered with Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) and its affiliated fire camps to provide academic guidance and services.

As the program grew, it gained recognition for its effectiveness. In 2022, Columbia College received a grant through the Rising Scholars Network, a new program within California Community Colleges designed to support justice-involved students. This three-year grant from the California Community College Chancellor's Office allowed the college to expand its services and reach more students.

Expansion to Inmate Education

Over the years, the Rising Scholars Program has helped hundreds of inmates annually. The program's success led to further expansion, including a recent 1.5 million dollar grant to start working with juvenile justice. This development demonstrates the program's growing influence and its ability to address the educational needs of various justice-involved populations.

Columbia College's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The institution was selected as one of up to six programs in California to participate in the "Vision 2030 Rising Scholars Demonstration Project." This recognition highlights the program's success and its potential to serve as a model for other institutions seeking to improve education for incarcerated students.

Impact on Incarcerated Students

Columbia College's Rising Scholars Program has profoundly influenced incarcerated students' lives. The initiative provides educational opportunities, contributes to reducing recidivism, and enhances employment prospects post-release.

Educational Opportunities

The Rising Scholars Program offers classes at prisons, providing academic guidance and services to hundreds of incarcerated individuals annually. Since 2015, Columbia College has been actively involved in prison education, partnering with SCC and affiliated fire camps.

This program helps level the playing field for vulnerable groups, including those formerly incarcerated. By offering education and skills training, it addresses a critical need for inmates who might otherwise struggle to find employment upon release.

The college's commitment to educating incarcerated students is further exemplified by its recent $1.5 million grant to start working with juvenile justice.

Reducing Recidivism

Education plays a crucial role in reducing recidivism rates among formerly incarcerated individuals. Research from the American Journal of Criminal Justice demonstrates that prison education programs decrease the likelihood of reoffending.

Yosemite Community College District Chancellor Dr. Henry Yong emphasizes the importance of supporting education for the incarcerated as a means to reduce recidivism. This approach not only benefits the individuals involved but also contributes to safer communities.

The transformative power of education is evident in the experiences of Rising Scholars Program participants. Michelle Walker, director of external initiatives at Columbia College, notes the identifiable success of the program over the years.

Employment Prospects Post-Release

One of the primary challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals is finding employment. The Rising Scholars Program directly addresses this issue by providing education and skills training that enhance job prospects.

Columbia College's initiative recognizes that without education or skills, finding a job with a prison record is particularly challenging. By offering academic and vocational training, the program equips students with the tools needed to compete in the job market.

Research indicates that prison education programs increase post-release employment rates and wages. This improved economic stability contributes to successful reintegration into society and reduces the likelihood of reoffending.

Program Recognition and Grants

Columbia College's Rising Scholars Program has gained significant recognition and financial support for its efforts to educate incarcerated individuals. The program's success has attracted substantial grant funding and led to its selection for a statewide demonstration project.

Grant Funding

The Rising Scholars Program at Columbia College has secured notable financial backing to expand its reach and impact. In 2022, the college received a $408,000 state grant through the Rising Scholars Network. This three-year grant, issued by the California Community College Chancellor's Office, aims to strengthen and expand programs for incarcerated students.

More recently, Columbia College obtained a significant $1.5 million grant to extend its services to juvenile justice. This funding demonstrates the program's growing influence and the state's commitment to supporting education for justice-involved individuals.

Demonstration Project Selection

Columbia College's Rising Scholars Program has been chosen as one of up to six programs statewide to participate in the "Vision 2030 Rising Scholars Demonstration Project". This selection highlights the program's success and positions it as a model for other institutions.

As part of this project, Columbia College will showcase best practices and innovative efforts to support incarcerated students. The recognition underscores the program's effectiveness and its potential to shape statewide policies and practices in correctional education.

Michelle Walker, director of external initiatives, noted that this selection validates years of dedicated work. It positions Columbia College as a leader in providing educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals and reducing recidivism through education.

Columbia College's Partnerships

Columbia College has formed strategic alliances to expand educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. These partnerships have been crucial in implementing and growing the Rising Scholars program.

Collaboration With SCC and Fire Camps

Columbia College has worked closely with Sierra Conservation Center (SCC) and its outlying fire camps since 2015. This collaboration has been instrumental in providing educational opportunities for incarcerated students.

The partnership began with a small pilot of two general education classes. It has since evolved into a model program, demonstrating significant growth and impact.

Through this collaboration, Columbia College offers classes directly at prisons. They also provide academic guidance and services to hundreds of incarcerated individuals each year.

The partnership extends to fire camps affiliated with SCC. This allows for a broader reach and diverse learning environments for students in the program.

Research on Education in Incarceration

Education programs for incarcerated individuals have shown significant positive impacts on recidivism rates and post-release outcomes. Studies indicate these programs provide valuable skills and opportunities for personal growth.

Findings of the American Journal of Criminal Justice

The American Journal of Criminal Justice has published research demonstrating the benefits of prison education programs. Their findings reveal that education during incarceration leads to decreased recidivism rates among participants.

Specifically, individuals who engage in educational programs while incarcerated are less likely to return to prison after release. This reduction in recidivism has important implications for public safety and reduced correctional costs.

The research also shows positive impacts on employment prospects. Incarcerated students who complete educational programs have higher rates of post-release employment compared to those who do not participate.

Additionally, the American Journal of Criminal Justice found that wages tend to be higher for formerly incarcerated individuals who participated in prison education. This improved economic outlook can contribute to successful reintegration into society.

While more studies are ongoing, the existing research provides compelling evidence for the transformative power of education in correctional settings. These programs appear to equip individuals with valuable skills and knowledge that support positive life changes upon release.

Advocacy and Future Directions

Columbia College's Rising Scholars Program continues to evolve, focusing on expanding educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. The program's success has garnered support from district leadership and sparked initiatives for continued growth and transformation.

Yosemite Community College District Chancellor's Message

Dr. Henry Yong, Chancellor of Yosemite Community College District, has emphasized the importance of supporting education for incarcerated individuals. He notes that these efforts play a crucial role in reducing recidivism rates.

The Chancellor's backing demonstrates a district-wide commitment to the Rising Scholars Program. This support is essential for securing resources and expanding the program's reach.

Continued Educational Transformation

The Rising Scholars Program is poised for further growth and innovation. Columbia College has received a $1.5 million grant to extend its services to juvenile justice.

This new initiative aims to provide educational opportunities to younger individuals involved in the justice system. It represents a proactive approach to breaking the cycle of incarceration through early intervention and education.

Michelle Walker, director of external initiatives, views the program's selection for the demonstration project as validation of its success. The Rising Scholars Program continues to serve as a model for other institutions seeking to implement similar initiatives.