Rising Scholars Program Expands Funding to $600K to Support Justice-Impacted Youth
01/08/2025
Riverside City College (RCC) is receiving a significant boost to its ongoing efforts to support justice-impacted youth, thanks to a $300,000 grant extension from the California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness). The amendment to the original 2021 grant brings the total funding to $600,000, allowing the college to expand its Rising Scholars program and continue its mission to assist young people involved in the juvenile justice system.
The Rising Scholars program provides college-campus-based support for youth pursuing post-secondary education in Riverside County who are connected to the justice system. The program, which began with a $300,000 grant in 2021, has already made an impact by offering educational services to students at Riverside City College and the Alan M. Crogan Youth and Education Center (YTEC) in Riverside.
Adrienne Grayson, Ed.D., associate dean for educational partnerships at RCC, expressed her excitement for the continued partnership with Cal Wellness. “The Cal
Wellness Foundation grant will aid the college in its efforts to strengthen partnerships
and create a community-based approach with caring holistic services to help our young
people identify and reach their goals,” she said.
Expanded Support Services and New Partnerships
The extended grant will enable RCC to provide additional academic, financial, and social support services to justice-impacted students. Key components include expanding educational services within juvenile correctional facilities like YTEC and offering in-person classes for detained students starting in the 2025-26 academic year. The program will also create transitional pathways for students to enroll at RCC after release, providing continued academic and social support as they reintegrate into the community.
To enhance its reach and impact, RCC is strengthening partnerships with local juvenile justice agencies, university programs, and external agencies. Collaborations include the California Community College Chancellor's Office Rising Scholars Network, California State University, San Bernardino’s Project Rebound, and the University of California, Riverside Underground Scholars Initiative. These partnerships, along with support from the Department of Rehabilitation and local job placement services, provide a comprehensive approach to reintegration and educational success.
Addressing Systemic Barriers to Education
RCC's Rising Scholars program addresses systemic barriers that prevent justice-impacted youth from accessing education and employment opportunities. National research indicates that youth involved in the justice system often face significant educational disadvantages, including poor academic outcomes and lack of school re-enrollment after incarceration. Rising Scholars aims to provide these students with a path to higher education and employment, helping them overcome these barriers.
By offering education and support, the Rising Scholars program not only provides individual opportunities but also helps reduce recidivism and promote a safer, more engaged community in Riverside County.
The expanded funding will further RCC’s commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized populations, particularly those impacted by the juvenile justice system. The college plans to deepen relationships with local probation departments and other community partners to ensure youth have the resources and support they need to succeed.
Student Support and Success
A key element of the Rising Scholars Program is the creation of a designated Scholar Success Team (SST) familiar with the needs of justice-impacted youth and dedicated to supporting their success. The SST structure, based on the Guided Pathways model, optimizes student success by removing barriers, helping students establish and follow educational plans, and engaging them in a supportive community.
Additionally, the college will create peer support groups, career readiness programs, and tailored university visits to four-year institutions with reentry programs, such as Cal State San Bernardino's Project Rebound. Outcomes will be measured through surveys, academic progress, and graduation rates, with the goal of achieving success comparable to the general RCC student population.
“We are grateful for the continued support from Cal Wellness, which will allow us to reach even more students and provide them with the tools they need to succeed,” said Grayson. "This funding will help us to expand our efforts, strengthen our partnerships, and create lasting change for justice-impacted youth in Riverside County."
The Rising Scholars program is part of RCC's broader effort to address racial and economic educational disparities and provide a pathway to success for youth who have faced systemic challenges. With the continued support from Cal Wellness, RCC is paving the way for a brighter future for these students, offering them hope and opportunity through education.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications