Rising Scholars Program at Fullerton College: Expanding Support for Formerly Incarcerated Students

The Fullerton College Rising Scholars program continues to evolve, transitioning from Extended Opportunity Programs and Services to the ethnic studies department. This move strengthens support for formerly incarcerated and systems impacted students (FISI), providing a natural fit within the ethnic studies curriculum. The program offers comprehensive assistance, including help with registration, textbooks, mentorship, and personal empowerment, enabling FISI students to navigate higher education systems and achieve their academic goals.

The Rising Scholars program has gained recognition for its positive impact, recently receiving a $7,500 grant from the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) Catalyst Fund. This award acknowledges the program's efforts in promoting accessibility and affordability in higher education. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like Project Kinship further enhance the program's ability to support those affected by incarceration, gangs, and violence.

Led by Project Manager Ieisha Kitchen and Associate Professor Dr. Ziza Delgado Noguera, the Rising Scholars program aims to create a prison-to-education pipeline. The transition to the ethnic studies department allows for the incorporation of social justice principles, offering FISI students a supportive and transformative educational experience. This shift empowers students by providing them with essential knowledge, skills, and interventions needed to thrive in their academic pursuits.

Rising Scholars Program Overview

The Rising Scholars program at Fullerton College provides comprehensive support for formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students. It has recently transitioned to the ethnic studies department and expanded its offerings to enhance the educational experience.

Transition to Ethnic Studies Department

The Rising Scholars program has moved from Extended Opportunity Programs and Services to the ethnic studies department. This transition allows for a more integrated approach to supporting students.

The program aligns naturally with ethnic studies curriculum, centering marginalized voices. Dr. Ziza Delgado Noguera, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Ethnic Studies, collaborated with Project Manager Ieisha Kitchen to establish a prison-to-education pipeline.

This shift enables the incorporation of ethnic studies principles and social justice into the program's framework. It aims to provide a supportive, empowering, and transformative educational experience for formerly incarcerated students.

Support for Formerly Incarcerated Students

Rising Scholars offers a range of services to help students navigate higher education:

• Registration assistance

• Textbook support

• Mentorship opportunities

• Personal empowerment resources

The program serves students who have been formerly incarcerated or systems impacted. It operates through Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) and has specific eligibility requirements.

Rising Scholars has forged partnerships with organizations like Project Kinship, which supports those impacted by incarceration, gangs, and violence. The program also collaborates with similar initiatives at North Orange Continuing Education and Cypress College.

Enhancement of Educational Experience

The Rising Scholars program continuously works to improve its offerings and impact. It recently received a $7,500 grant from the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) Catalyst Fund, recognizing its efforts to remove cost barriers in higher education.

This funding supports the program's mission to promote accessibility and affordability for students. The transition to the ethnic studies department has allowed for the integration of social justice principles into the curriculum.

Future plans include hosting a flex day for faculty to increase civic engagement and provide strategies for supporting formerly incarcerated students. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.

Program Development and Administration

The Rising Scholars program at Fullerton College has undergone significant development and administrative changes. These changes focus on collaborative curriculum design and strong leadership to support formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students.

Collaboration and Curriculum Design

The Rising Scholars program has transitioned from Extended Opportunity Programs and Services to the ethnic studies department. This move allows for greater integration of ethnic studies principles and social justice concepts into the program's curriculum.

Dr. Ziza Delgado Noguera, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Ethnic Studies, has played a crucial role in this transition. Her expertise in serving incarcerated populations has helped create a streamlined approach to supporting formerly incarcerated students.

The program now incorporates ethnic studies curriculum, offering students a more empowering and transformative educational experience. This approach aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and interventions necessary for their success.

Leadership and Advocate Team

Ieisha Kitchen, the Project Manager for Rising Scholars, has been instrumental in the program's development. She has worked closely with Dr. Delgado Noguera to establish a prison-to-education pipeline.

The leadership team consistently applies their historical knowledge and understanding to uplift students. Their efforts have resulted in a comprehensive support system that includes help with registration, textbooks, mentorship, and personal empowerment.

The program's success is evident in its recent $7,500 grant award from the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) Catalyst Fund. This recognition highlights the positive impact of Rising Scholars on promoting accessibility and affordability in higher education.

Program Services and Benefits

The Rising Scholars program offers comprehensive support to formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students at Fullerton College. It combines academic assistance with personal development opportunities to help students achieve their goals.

Academic and Personal Support Offerings

The program provides assistance with registration and textbooks. This ensures students can enroll in necessary courses and have access to required materials. Mentorship is a key component, pairing students with experienced guides to navigate college life.

Personal empowerment is emphasized through workshops and counseling sessions. These focus on building self-esteem and developing crucial life skills. The program also offers guidance on financial aid, career planning, and transfer options.

Additional services include tutoring, study groups, and access to computer labs. These resources help students excel academically and stay on track with their studies.

Principles and Interventions

The Rising Scholars program is now part of the ethnic studies department, incorporating principles of social justice into its approach. This alignment allows for a more holistic and culturally relevant educational experience.

Interventions are designed to address the unique challenges faced by formerly incarcerated students. These include trauma-informed counseling, reentry support, and legal guidance.

The program emphasizes peer support, creating a community where students can share experiences and strategies. Regular check-ins and progress monitoring help identify and address potential obstacles early.

Skills workshops focus on time management, study techniques, and technology literacy. These practical interventions equip students with tools for academic success and personal growth.

Recent Achievements and Recognition

The Rising Scholars program at Fullerton College has garnered significant recognition for its efforts to support formerly incarcerated students. Its recent accomplishments highlight the program's commitment to promoting accessible and affordable higher education.

NASH Catalyst Fund Grant

The Rising Scholars program received a $7,500 grant from the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) Catalyst Fund. This grant focuses on 'Removing Cost as a Barrier to Higher Education'.

The award acknowledges the program's positive impact and potential to enhance accessibility in higher education. It demonstrates the NASH Catalyst Fund's confidence in Rising Scholars' ability to create meaningful change for formerly incarcerated students.

Impact on Accessibility and Affordability

The NASH Catalyst Fund grant enables Rising Scholars to expand its support services for formerly incarcerated students. These services include assistance with registration, textbook procurement, and mentorship.

By reducing financial barriers, the program helps students navigate higher education systems more effectively. This support is crucial for students who may face unique challenges due to their background.

The grant also allows Rising Scholars to enhance its personal empowerment initiatives. These efforts aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in academic settings and beyond.

Community and Institutional Partnerships

The Rising Scholars program at Fullerton College has forged strategic alliances to enhance support for formerly incarcerated students. These partnerships extend both locally and across the district, strengthening the program's reach and effectiveness.

Project Kinship Collaboration

The Rising Scholars program has established a significant partnership with Project Kinship, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by incarceration, gangs, and violence. This collaboration amplifies the program's ability to provide comprehensive support to its students.

Project Kinship's expertise in training and supporting system-impacted individuals complements Rising Scholars' academic focus. Together, they create a more robust support system for students navigating the challenges of higher education after incarceration.

The partnership allows for shared resources and knowledge, enhancing the quality of services offered to Rising Scholars participants. It also provides additional networking opportunities and potential pathways for students as they progress through their academic journeys.

District Level Cooperation

Rising Scholars at Fullerton College has expanded its impact through district-wide collaboration. The program works closely with counterparts at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) and Cypress College campuses.

This district-level cooperation facilitates a more seamless experience for students across different educational institutions. It allows for shared best practices and resources, creating a more unified approach to supporting formerly incarcerated students.

The collaboration enables smoother transitions for students moving between institutions within the district. It also provides a wider range of educational options and support services, increasing the likelihood of academic success for Rising Scholars participants.