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.

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.


Submit the Rising Scholars Interest Form

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