Contra Costa College Launches Rising Scholars Program with $382,500 Grant for System-Impacted Students

Contra Costa College took a significant step towards educational equity in fall 2022. The institution received a grant of $382,500 to establish a Rising Scholars program, aimed at supporting system-impacted students. This initiative demonstrates CCC's commitment to providing educational opportunities for all, regardless of background or circumstances.

The Rising Scholars program at CCC offers transferable courses to students at West County Detention Facility and provides crucial resources and support to system-impacted students on campus. This approach ensures that individuals who have been affected by the justice system have access to quality education and the tools needed to succeed academically.

The Rising Scholars Network at CCC is part of a broader effort to create pathways for justice-involved individuals. By offering support at every step of the student journey, CCC is working to break down barriers and create opportunities for those who may have previously been excluded from higher education.

Background of Contra Costa College's Rising Scholars Program

Contra Costa College's Rising Scholars Program emerged from a broader initiative to support justice-involved students. The program aims to provide educational opportunities and resources to those impacted by the criminal justice system.

Overview of Rising Scholars Network

The Rising Scholars Network (RSN) was established in 2014 to expand educational access for justice-involved students in community colleges. RSN encompasses various initiatives, including adult programs, juvenile justice support, and access to textbooks and digital course content.

Nearly 20,000 justice-involved students are served through RSN programs both on campus and in correctional facilities. The network's goal is to increase participation and success rates among this student population.

RSN programs offer transferable courses and provide resources to help students navigate their academic journey. This comprehensive approach addresses the unique challenges faced by justice-involved individuals pursuing higher education.

Contra Costa College's Commitment

Contra Costa College (CCC) has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting system-impacted students. The college recognizes the unique challenges these students face and has developed targeted support systems.

CCC's Rising Scholars Program offers transferable courses to students at West County Detention Center. This initiative allows incarcerated individuals to earn UC and CSU transferable credits, potentially reducing their sentences.

On campus, CCC provides resources and support to system-impacted students. The program is managed by Demetria Lawrence and is located in the Student + Administration Building, Room 223.

Historical Funding for Educational Grants

In fall 2022, Contra Costa College received a grant of $382,500 to develop its Rising Scholars program. This substantial funding demonstrates the growing recognition of the importance of education for justice-involved individuals.

The grant has enabled CCC to expand its offerings and support services for system-impacted students. It represents a significant investment in educational equity and access for a traditionally underserved population.

This funding aligns with broader trends in California's community college system, which has increasingly prioritized support for justice-involved students through initiatives like the Rising Scholars Network.

Rising Scholars Program Details

The Rising Scholars program at Contra Costa College provides educational opportunities and support for system-impacted students. It offers transferable courses at West County Detention Facility and resources for students on campus.

Objective of the Program

The Rising Scholars program aims to create pathways for justice-involved individuals to access higher education. It seeks to break down barriers and provide academic support to those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.

The program strives to increase college enrollment and completion rates among this population. It also works to reduce recidivism by equipping participants with valuable skills and qualifications.

By offering education and support, Rising Scholars helps students transition successfully into academic and professional environments. The program fosters a sense of belonging and community for system-impacted individuals at Contra Costa College.

Courses Offered at West County Detention Facility

Rising Scholars provides transferable courses to students at West County Detention Facility. These classes allow incarcerated individuals to begin or continue their college education.

The program offers a range of general education courses that can be applied towards associate degrees or transfer requirements. Subjects may include English, mathematics, social sciences, and humanities.

Classes are taught by qualified instructors who understand the unique challenges faced by incarcerated students. Course materials and resources are provided to ensure students can fully engage with the curriculum.

Upon release, students can seamlessly continue their education at Contra Costa College or transfer credits to other institutions.

Support for System-Impacted Students

The Rising Scholars program provides comprehensive support for system-impacted students at Contra Costa College. This includes academic advising, tutoring, and assistance with navigating college processes.

Students have access to a dedicated program manager who offers personalized guidance and support. The program also provides information on financial aid, scholarships, and other resources specific to justice-involved individuals.

Rising Scholars offers workshops and events to help students develop academic and life skills. These may cover topics such as study strategies, career planning, and personal development.

The program creates a supportive community where students can connect with peers who have similar experiences. This network provides emotional support and encouragement throughout their academic journey.

Grant Allocation

Contra Costa College secured substantial funding to establish its Rising Scholars program. The grant aims to support system-impacted students both on campus and at the West County Detention Facility.

Amount and Source of Funding

Contra Costa College (CCC) received a grant of $382,500 to develop the Rising Scholars program. This funding was announced in the fall of 2022, marking a significant investment in supporting justice-involved individuals. The grant is part of the broader Rising Scholars Network initiative, which focuses on providing educational opportunities to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students.

The funding source appears to be connected to statewide efforts to expand educational access for system-impacted individuals. This grant aligns with California's commitment to reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for those affected by the criminal justice system.

Allocation of the $382,500 Grant

The $382,500 grant is being utilized to create a comprehensive Rising Scholars pathway at CCC. A significant portion of the funding is directed towards offering transferable courses to students at the West County Detention Facility. This initiative brings higher education directly to incarcerated individuals, providing them with valuable learning opportunities.

On the CCC campus, the grant supports resources and support services for system-impacted students. This may include dedicated counseling, tutoring, and other academic assistance tailored to their unique needs. The college is also using the funds to develop informational workshops for incarcerated individuals, helping them understand their educational options and pathways.

Program Impact

The Rising Scholars program at Contra Costa College has made significant strides in supporting system-impacted students and benefiting the broader community. Its targeted approach addresses unique challenges faced by incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals pursuing higher education.

Impact on System-Impacted Students

The Rising Scholars program has opened new educational pathways for students at West County Detention Facility. Transferable courses offered through the program enable incarcerated individuals to make progress toward degrees while serving their sentences.

For students on campus, the program provides crucial support services. These may include academic counseling, tutoring, and assistance with navigating college systems. Such resources help system-impacted students overcome barriers to academic success.

The program's holistic approach addresses both educational and personal needs. This comprehensive support increases retention rates and improves academic outcomes for participating students.

Community and Societal Benefits

By expanding educational access, Rising Scholars contributes to reduced recidivism rates. Higher education is linked to lower rates of reoffending, benefiting public safety and reducing incarceration costs.

The program fosters a more inclusive campus environment. It raises awareness about the challenges faced by system-impacted individuals and promotes understanding among the broader student body.

Economically, Rising Scholars supports workforce development. By helping system-impacted students gain valuable skills and credentials, it enhances their employment prospects and earning potential.

The initiative also strengthens community partnerships. Collaboration between Contra Costa College and local correctional facilities creates a model for similar programs elsewhere.

Implementation and Progress

Contra Costa College has taken significant steps to establish and expand the Rising Scholars program since receiving the grant. The college has focused on providing resources and support for system-impacted students both on campus and at the West County Detention Facility.

Steps Taken Towards Implementation

CCC launched the Rising Scholars Program with a dedicated program manager to oversee its development. The college established partnerships with local correctional facilities to offer transferable courses to incarcerated students.

CCC set up a physical space on campus in Room 223 of the Student + Administration Building to serve as a hub for Rising Scholars activities and support services. This location provides a centralized point of contact for program participants.

The college developed a curriculum of transferable courses suitable for delivery at the West County Detention Facility. This required coordination with facility administrators and adaptation of teaching methods to the correctional environment.

Current Status and Milestones

As of Fall 2022, CCC successfully implemented a hybrid course format, with 42% of courses offered both online and in-person. This flexible approach benefits system-impacted students who may face scheduling or transportation challenges.

The Rising Scholars program has established ongoing support services for participants, including academic advising, tutoring, and assistance with college and financial aid applications. These services aim to address the unique needs of system-impacted students.

CCC continues to evaluate and refine the program based on student feedback and outcomes. The college tracks key metrics such as course completion rates, persistence, and transfer rates for Rising Scholars participants to measure the program's effectiveness.

Future Prospects of the Rising Scholars Program

The Rising Scholars Program at Contra Costa College aims to expand its reach and deepen its impact in the coming years. Strategic plans are in place to broaden course offerings and enhance support services for system-impacted students.

Planned Expansion

The Rising Scholars Program intends to increase its presence at West County Detention Facility. More transferable courses will be added to the curriculum, giving incarcerated students a wider range of academic options.

CCC plans to offer additional resources on campus for system-impacted students. This may include dedicated study spaces, expanded tutoring services, and increased access to technology.

Partnerships with local employers and community organizations are being developed. These collaborations aim to provide internship opportunities and job placement assistance for program participants upon release or graduation.

Goals and Long-Term Vision

The primary goal of the Rising Scholars Program is to significantly reduce recidivism rates among participants. By providing education and support, CCC hopes to empower students to build successful careers and reintegrate into society.

Long-term, the program envisions creating a comprehensive support network that extends beyond academic services. This may include:

• Mental health counseling

• Financial literacy workshops

• Family reunification support

• Housing assistance

CCC aims to establish the Rising Scholars Program as a model for other institutions. The college plans to share best practices and data with the Rising Scholars Network to contribute to the broader mission of supporting system-impacted students across California.