Programs reach out to scholars, veterans and former inmates

2 days ago3 min read

New center offers a chance for community building and collaboration for underrepresented groups.

By: Sara Lemon, staff writer

(L-R) Leaders of the Veterans and Rising Scholars programs speak at the opening of their new shared space. (Aaron Goldsmith for the Valley Star)

Formerly incarcerated and veteran students now share a space in the Student Services Center, joining the Rising Scholars and Veterans programs to discover their similarities and support one another.

“Now we have a common community area for our students to meet, get a snack or chill before their next class,” said coordinator Alex Ojeda. “We invite students to stop by and say hello to our team and discuss how we can support them in achieving their educational goals.”

Rising Scholars supports students with experience in incarceration, probation, or juvenile detention. In addition to those affected by a family member’s involvement in the criminal justice system, it offers assistance in both academics and career development.

Ojeda noted that formerly incarcerated individuals of- ten face barriers such as being turned down for home loans, employment or vehicle loans. Rising Scholars aims to destigmatize the negative perceptions of formerly incarcerated individuals in the community while helping them earn degrees that will provide economic and social mobility.

Folks who attend college after being released from prison are 70 percent more likely to stay out of prison. Formerly incarcerated students state that community college has provided social and economic mobility.

“We wanted to prove essentially that although you have incarceration experience, you still have the potential and the capacity to be successful academically and still live fruitful lives in terms of careers, long-term success, being homeowners, and having families,” said Ojeda.

The Rising Scholars Grant, led by Ojeda, secured funding for the joint expansion of both programs. This grant was part of a statewide initiative aimed at expanding educational resources for individuals with experience in the criminal justice system who are seeking to enroll in community colleges. As part of their reentry journey, the Rising Scholars program provides dedicated academic counseling, a space for community building and collaboration, and resources for mental health.

In partnership with Scott Weigand, director of the Academic Resource Center, and Brandon Hildreth, dean of Adult Education, Workforce Development, and Dual Enrollment, the ongoing goal of the grant is to expand outreach and encourage more formerly incarcerated students and veterans to join campus programs.

The Veterans Resource Center supports veterans and military-affiliated students, including active duty, reservists, and dependents, by helping them access their GI Bill benefits, register for classes, and address other needs they may have.

“The center is seeking for all student veterans to become involved with our services and join us at our events,” said student worker Ryan Green. “Sharing locations with the Rising Scholars will help us reach that goal. We have a lot of similarities, including general life hardships and similar upbringings—troubled homes in their youth, not fitting in, and trying to find a place to belong in life. Many seek solace in the military.”

Approximately 4.8 percent of community college students are veterans, while 1.6 percent are on active duty or serving in the reserves or National Guard.

“Being here at this grand opening made me so proud,” said Rising Scholar participant Tania Guzman. “I was once a liability, and now I am here enjoying life, being accepted by the community, and giving back. The counselors helped me a lot. I can talk to them about my courses, and now I am also taking real estate classes.”

Her current goal is to transfer to CSUN and become an immigration attorney.