North Orange County Community College District Receives $2.6 Million for Hire UP Program to Support Formerly Incarcerated Students

The North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) has been chosen as one of ten districts in California to receive significant funding for the Hire UP Pilot Program. This initiative, established by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office, aims to support formerly incarcerated students, CalWORKs participants, and former foster youth at Cypress College and Fullerton College.

NOCCCD will receive $2.6 million to provide stipends to eligible students, helping them overcome financial barriers and access credential programs and workforce support. The funds will be distributed over two fiscal years, with Cypress College receiving $555,440 and Fullerton College receiving $769,560 for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

This program aligns with NOCCCD's involvement in the Rising Scholars Initiative, which focuses on creating more accessible and equitable educational opportunities. Dr. Cynthia Olivo, president of Fullerton College, expressed enthusiasm for the program's potential to empower students and help them overcome challenges that might otherwise impede their educational goals.

North Orange County Community College District Overview

The North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) is a prominent educational institution serving the community through its colleges and programs. It has a rich history, clear mission, and significant involvement in educational initiatives.

Mission and Vision

NOCCCD's mission is to provide quality education to over 58,000 students across its campuses. The district aims to create a compassionate learning environment where students and employees can thrive and reach their full potential. Its vision is to be a destination district, offering exceptional educational opportunities to the North Orange County community.

NOCCCD is committed to fostering student success through innovative programs and supportive services. The district focuses on preparing students for academic and professional advancement, aligning its offerings with the evolving needs of the workforce and society.

History and Growth

Established in 1965, NOCCCD has grown into one of California's premier community college districts. It encompasses two award-winning credit colleges - Cypress College and Fullerton College - and one of the state's largest noncredit institutions.

The district is governed by a Board of seven elected Trustees and two student Trustees. This leadership structure ensures representation of diverse community interests and student needs.

Over the decades, NOCCCD has expanded its programs and facilities to meet the changing educational landscape. Its growth reflects its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education to an increasingly diverse student population.

Involvement With Rising Scholars Initiative

NOCCCD actively participates in the Rising Scholars Initiative, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive education. The district recently received a significant grant to support this program, which aims to create more accessible and equitable educational opportunities for formerly incarcerated students.

The Hire UP Pilot Program, funded by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office, has allocated $2.6 million to NOCCCD. This funding will be distributed between Cypress College and Fullerton College to provide stipends for eligible students.

These funds will support students who are part of the Rising Scholars Network, current CalWORKs participants, or former foster youth. The program aims to help students meet the true cost of college attendance and gain access to credential programs and workforce support.

Hire UP Pilot Program

The Hire UP Pilot Program aims to provide financial support to specific student groups at California community colleges. It focuses on helping formerly incarcerated students, CalWORKs recipients, and former foster youth meet college attendance costs and access credential programs.

Program Fundamentals

The Hire UP Pilot Program was established on June 30, 2022 through Assembly Bill No. 183. It is codified in Education Code EDC 78080-78084. The program provides stipends to eligible students to cover the true cost of college attendance.

Participants must be U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens, or exempt from paying nonresident tuition. They should be new or continuing students enrolled in a certificate or degree program. Students must maintain at least half-time enrollment to qualify.

Program Goals

Hire UP aims to create more accessible and equitable educational opportunities. It supports formerly incarcerated students, CalWORKs recipients, and former foster youth in overcoming financial barriers to education.

The program seeks to empower students and help them achieve their educational goals. By providing regular stipends, it addresses challenges that might otherwise derail students' academic progress.

Hire UP also aims to improve access to credential programs and workforce support. This focus helps prepare students for successful careers after completing their education.

Allocated Funding Details

The North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) received $2.6 million for the Hire UP Pilot Program. This funding will be distributed to eligible students at Cypress College and Fullerton College.

NOCCCD will receive the funds in two equal payments of $1,320,000 for each fiscal year. The allocation for the 2023-24 fiscal year is:

• Cypress College: $555,440

• Fullerton College: $769,560

Qualified students will receive financial support through regular stipends based on their enrollment hours. The program is set to run for five years, providing ongoing support to eligible students throughout their academic journey.

Financial Support for Students

The Hire UP Pilot Program provides substantial financial assistance to eligible students at Cypress College and Fullerton College. This initiative aims to create more equitable educational opportunities through regular stipends and support services.

Stipend Structure

Students participating in the Hire UP program receive stipends based on their enrollment hours. Full-time students enrolled in 12 or more units qualify for $1,000 per month. Those taking 9-11 units receive $750 monthly, while students enrolled in 6-8 units get $500 per month.

These stipends are distributed regularly throughout the academic year. The funds help cover various educational expenses, including textbooks, supplies, transportation, and living costs. This structured approach ensures students have consistent financial support to focus on their studies.

Eligibility Criteria

The Hire UP program targets specific student populations to promote equity and access. To be eligible, students must belong to one of the following groups:

• Members of the Rising Scholars Network

• Current California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) participants

• Former foster youth

Applicants must be enrolled at either Cypress College or Fullerton College. They need to maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet minimum unit requirements to receive stipends.

Educational Benefits

The Hire UP program offers more than just financial aid. It provides comprehensive support to help students overcome barriers to education. Participants gain access to specialized counseling services tailored to their unique needs.

The program also offers career guidance and job placement assistance. This helps students connect their education to future employment opportunities. Additionally, Hire UP facilitates networking events and workshops to build professional skills.

By addressing both financial and educational needs, Hire UP aims to increase retention rates and degree completion among historically underserved student populations.

Impact on Formerly Incarcerated Students

The Hire UP program and Rising Scholars Initiative provide crucial support for formerly incarcerated students at North Orange County Community College District. These efforts aim to remove barriers to education, enhance workforce readiness, and facilitate successful reintegration into society.

Access to Education

Rising Scholars programs at Cypress College and Fullerton College offer dedicated support for justice-impacted students. The $2.6 million in funding from Hire UP will provide stipends to eligible students, helping offset the true cost of attendance.

This financial assistance covers:

• Tuition and fees

• Textbooks and supplies

• Transportation costs

• Living expenses

By addressing these financial barriers, more formerly incarcerated individuals can pursue higher education. The regular stipends based on enrollment hours ensure ongoing support throughout their academic journey.

Workforce Support

The Hire UP program emphasizes preparing students for successful careers after graduation. Key workforce support elements include:

• Career counseling and planning

• Resume writing workshops

• Interview skills training

• Internship opportunities

• Job placement assistance

These services help students develop marketable skills and make connections with potential employers. The goal is to increase employment prospects and reduce recidivism rates among program participants.

Community Reintegration

Support for formerly incarcerated students extends beyond the classroom. The Rising Scholars network fosters a supportive community to aid in successful reintegration. This includes:

• Peer mentoring programs

• Support groups

• Counseling services

• Assistance with housing and basic needs

By addressing the holistic needs of students, these initiatives aim to reduce stigma and create a more inclusive campus environment. The programs also work to educate the broader community about the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals and the importance of second chances.

Cypress College and Fullerton College Participation

Cypress College and Fullerton College, both part of the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD), are actively involved in the Hire UP Pilot Program. This initiative aims to support formerly incarcerated students, CalWORKs participants, and former foster youth through financial assistance and educational opportunities.

Distribution of Funds

Cypress College will receive $555,440 for the 2023-24 fiscal year, while Fullerton College will receive $769,560. These funds will be used to provide stipends to eligible students based on their enrollment hours.

The stipends are designed to help students meet the true cost of college attendance, including expenses beyond tuition and books. This financial support aims to remove barriers that might otherwise prevent students from pursuing their educational goals.

Student Success Strategies

Both colleges are implementing strategies to ensure the success of students participating in the Hire UP program. These include:

• Personalized academic advising

• Mentorship programs

• Career counseling services

• Access to tutoring and study resources

The colleges are also working to create a supportive environment for formerly incarcerated students, CalWORKs participants, and former foster youth. This includes providing specialized orientation sessions and ongoing support services tailored to their unique needs.

Community Collaboration

Cypress and Fullerton Colleges are actively engaging with community partners to enhance the Hire UP program's impact. They are collaborating with:

• Local employers to create internship and job placement opportunities

• Social service agencies to provide wrap-around support

• Community organizations that work with formerly incarcerated individuals and foster youth

These partnerships aim to create a comprehensive support system for students beyond the classroom. By leveraging community resources, the colleges are working to ensure that Hire UP participants have access to a wide range of services and opportunities to support their academic and career goals.

Funding Breakdown

The Hire UP Pilot Program has allocated substantial funds to the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) for distribution to eligible students at Cypress College and Fullerton College. This funding aims to support formerly incarcerated students, CalWORKs participants, and former foster youth.

Program Funding Timeline

The Hire UP Pilot Program is set to run for five years. The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) has designated $2.6 million for NOCCCD over this period. This significant investment demonstrates a strong commitment to creating more accessible and equitable educational opportunities.

The funding will be distributed in two equal installments of $1,320,000 for each fiscal year. This structure ensures a consistent flow of support throughout the program's duration, allowing for effective planning and implementation.

Payment Details

For the 2023-24 fiscal year, the funds will be divided between Cypress College and Fullerton College. Cypress College will receive $555,440, while Fullerton College will be allocated $769,560. This distribution reflects the specific needs and student populations of each institution.

Qualified students will receive financial support in the form of regular stipends. The amount of these stipends will be based on students' enrollment hours, ensuring that the support is tailored to individual academic commitments. This approach helps address the true cost of college attendance for eligible students.

Looking Ahead

The North Orange County Community College District is poised for significant advancements in supporting formerly incarcerated students and other vulnerable populations. Future plans focus on expanding opportunities and strengthening support systems.

Future Objectives

NOCCCD aims to broaden the reach of the Hire UP program. The district plans to increase the number of eligible students receiving stipends at Cypress College and Fullerton College.

Collaboration with local employers is a key priority to create more internship and job placement opportunities for program participants. NOCCCD will work to establish partnerships with businesses willing to hire formerly incarcerated individuals.

The district also intends to enhance academic support services tailored to Rising Scholars students. This includes specialized tutoring, mentoring programs, and career counseling.

Long-Term Vision

NOCCCD envisions becoming a statewide leader in supporting formerly incarcerated students. The district plans to develop a comprehensive model that other colleges can replicate.

Creating a sustainable funding structure beyond the initial grant period is crucial. NOCCCD will explore additional funding sources and partnerships to ensure the program's longevity.

The ultimate goal is to significantly reduce recidivism rates among program participants. NOCCCD aims to track long-term outcomes and demonstrate the positive impact of education on formerly incarcerated individuals' lives.

Expanding the Rising Scholars Network to include more community partners is another long-term objective. This will create a robust support system for students both on and off campus.