The Rising Scholars Program at Saddleback College supports students who have been negatively impacted by the U.S. judicial system. Through development of a support network that spans the Saddleback campus and beyond, the Rising Scholars program will assist formerly incarcerated and system impacted students in their educational, professional, and social goals.
The Access Project
The Rising Scholars program is teaming up with The Access Project, a non-profit legal services organization, to provide clean slate services to our student community on Wednesday, March 5 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in BGS 245.
Expunging your record and reducing your felonies, wherever possible, can make a difference when you are applying for jobs, looking for housing, and working to put the justice system behind you. Through this free program, you'll be able to get a copy of your record from the Department of Justice (your "RAP sheet"). The Access Project will analyze your RAP to see if you have California convictions that can be expunged, reduced from felonies, or sealed. They will prepare all the necessary forms for you, help you write a personal statement to support your petitions, and even file the papers for you with the court.
IMPORTANT: To get started, you MUST register by going to AccessProjectCA.org/RSN. Look for the "Register Now" button to determine if you are eligible.
Institutionally impacted students face societal hurdles with regard to these goals. The Rising Scholars network strives to help affected students overcome these impediments by providing asset-based support for the duration of their higher education. Examples of this support include:
- Expungement Services
- Support Groups
- Resume Building
- Formerly Incarcerated Alumni Speaker Panels
- On-campus Support Programs, such as financial aid, basic needs assistance, tutoring, etc.
- Counseling
- Mentorship
- Student Advocacy
These benefits and services improve student retention and academic success.
Program Requirements
- To qualify for Rising Scholars a Saddleback College student must:
- Be enrolled in at least one class.
- Identify as formerly incarcerated.
- Students must meet with our dedicated Rising Scholars counselor twice a semester.
- Students must meet with our peer mentor twice a semester.
- Students must attend one workshop/event per semester.
- Students must submit an academic progress report once per semester.
- Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 and above.