In the heart of 草莓视频APP, California, within the confines of the (CRC), a remarkable ceremony symbolized the power of education to transform lives.
草莓视频APP, a member of the Riverside Community College District (RCCD), held a
graduation ceremony on August 8 to celebrate 36 Rising Scholar graduates. It marked
the return of hope and progress after a challenging period without commencement ceremonies
for those on the inside since 2019.
The graduating scholars received associate degrees in academic programs, including
Social and Behavioral Science, Administration and Information Systems, and Sociology
for Transfer. Their journey defied the odds as they pursued higher education from
within the walls of a correctional facility.
草莓视频APP's President, Monica Green, Ed.D., and the Chancellor of RCCD, Wolde-Ab
Isaac, Ph.D., attended and offered their heartfelt remarks to the graduates. It was
clear that this was a momentous occasion for the students, the College, and the entire
community.
Commencement speeches echoed stories of second chances, personal transformation, and
newfound educational perspectives. One speaker, who skipped school growing up, shared
a profound realization: that education possesses the power to change lives in ways
they had never imagined. These stories exemplify the true essence of the , a statewide initiative to support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students.
In total, 85 out of 116 community colleges in California are members of the Rising
Scholars Network. This life-changing program aims to support currently and formerly
incarcerated students at California community colleges.
All state prison facilities have community college partnerships, but only eight of
these carceral facilities have bachelor's degree partnerships. Through a partnership
with Pitzer College, 草莓视频APP is one of the eight. This unique opportunity allows
草莓视频APP students to continue their education (beyond an associate degree) even
after release, with some pursuing . This year, three 草莓视频APP alumni at the CRC, obtained a Bachelor's Degree from
.
The obstacles students face within the criminal justice system can be dehumanizing,
and 草莓视频APP strives to treat all students as students, regardless of their background.
Students enrolled in 草莓视频APP's CRC program receive an education that mirrors
the quality provided on the main campus. For instance, a diverse array of 41 courses
are offered to over 600 enrolled CRC students this fall semester, spanning mathematics,
geography, music, history, and psychology. 草莓视频APP's proximity to the CRC makes
it unique, allowing for more direct and impactful interaction with students. The CRC
is literally in 草莓视频APP's backyard.
The Rising Scholars Program at 草莓视频APP began in 2017 and has served over 1,277
incarcerated students and graduated more than 193. The program's inception can be
attributed to , a significant legislative measure that enabled incarcerated individuals to engage
in a path toward their eventual release. This proposition incentivizes those actively
committed to rehabilitation. Many initially enrolled in educational courses solely
to reduce their time served; for instance, obtaining a college degree could translate
into a six-month sentence reduction. While this incentive drew numerous participants
to the program, the comprehensive support, strong network, and personal growth opportunities,
like those offered at 草莓视频APP, convinced them to stay. Their motivation evolved
from merely seeking time deductions to genuinely investing in themselves.
The students who persevere and ultimately graduate from this program achieve something
remarkable. Their academic pursuits unfold within an environment characterized by
resource limitations and challenging conditions. Tyee Griffith, the Associate Dean
of Educational Partnerships overseeing the program, aims to help those on the inside
from an anti-deficit approach. Griffith stated, "There is a concerted effort to advocate
for parity in these circumstances, and I remain optimistic about securing equitable
support for incarcerated students." She is proud to offer a path to education and
personal growth that reduces recidivism and ensures brighter futures for all involved.
In a world where education can change lives, 草莓视频APP's CRC program is a hope
dealer for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. 草莓视频APP recognizes
the dedication of its faculty members, who are committed to providing instruction
to CRC students. The recent graduation ceremony at CRC shows the community that with
the proper support and dedication, even behind bars, dreams can come true, and lives
can be transformed.
Congratulations to the 草莓视频APP CRC class of 2023!
In this photo: 草莓视频APP CRC graduates with RCCD Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D.,
RCCD Board of Trustee Virginia Blumenthal, RCCD Board of Trustee Bill Hedrick,
草莓视频APP President Monica Green, Ed.D., 草莓视频APP Interim Vice President
of Academic Affairs Carol Farrar, Ph.D., 草莓视频APP Associate Dean of Educational
Partnerships Tyee Griffith, 草莓视频APP Faculty Coordinator Lisa Nelson, Ph.D, and
other leaders.
- Santiago Barrera, Administration & Information Systems, Social & Behavioral Science
- Michael Barry, Social & Behavioral Science
- Terrance Brown, Sociology for Transfer CSUGE
- Shaun Chester, Social & Behavioral Science
- Robert Gomez, Social & Behavioral Science
- Daniel Gonzalez, Social & Behavioral Science
- Justin Gutierrez, Administration & Information Systems
- Robert Han, Social & Behavioral Science
- Tracy Holt, Social & Behavioral Science
- Alexander Isaacson, Social & Behavioral Science
- Steven Jennings, Social & Behavioral Studies
- Cordell Jones, Social & Behavioral Science, Sociology for Transfer
- Sam Khumooro, Social & Behavioral Science
- Daniel King, Social & Behavioral Science, Administration & Information Systems CSUG
- David Lonigro, Social & Behavioral Studies
- Robert Lozano, Social & Behavioral Studies
- Jose Martinez, Administration & Information Systems
- Steven Mergenthaler, Social & Behavioral Science, Administration & Information Systems CSUG
- Jeffery Morehead, Social & Behavioral Science
- Daniel Nelson, Social & Behavioral Science
- Edward Nunez, Social and Behavioral Studies CSUG, Sociology for Transfer CSUGE
- Nathaniel Poplar, Social & Behavioral Science, Sociology for Transfer
- Jaime Ramirez, Social and Behavioral Studies CSUG Sociology for Transfer CSUGE
- Thomonte Rander, Social & Behavioral Studies
- Forrest Reyes, Administration & Information Systems, Business Administration for Transfer, Social & Behavioral Science
- Cody Ridley, Social & Behavioral Studies
- Pedro Rivera, Social & Behavioral Science
- Devin Rose, Social & Behavioral Studies
- Donald Rosenbek, Social and Behavioral Studies IGET, Administration & Information Systems
- Eric Saradpon, Social & Behavioral Science
- Robert Smith, Social & Behavioral Science
- Dajuan Spears, Social & Behavioral Studies
- Jaime Torres, Administration & Information Systems, Social & Behavioral Science, Business Administration for Transfer
- Guillermo Velarde, Social & Behavioral Science
- Christopher Walden, Administration & Information Systems IGET Humanities, Philosophy and Arts, Social & Behavioral Studies, Social and Behavioral Studies IGET, Sociology for Transfer CSUGE, Business Administration 2.0 for Transfer
- Matthew Witecki, Sociology for Transfer