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Rising Scholars program reports rapid growth; students and faculty describe role in wildfire recovery and reentry
Summary
The Chancellor's Office updated the board on the Rising Scholars Network's expansion (93 colleges, 132 correctional facilities) and plans to scale technology access, credit for prior learning and workforce pathways. A formerly incarcerated student and faculty described how in‑facility instruction enabled degree completion and post-release success.
The board received an update on the Rising Scholars Network demonstration project that described significant systemwide expansion and outcomes. Staff reported the program now operates with 93 colleges and partners in approximately 132 correctional facilities and county jails, with large increases in formerly incarcerated headcount (+64%) and awards (+75.7%) since 2020—21.
Chancellor's Office priorities and pilots: The Chancellor's Office highlighted three demonstration objectives: expanding in‑facility course access, ensuring technology (laptops and Wi‑Fi) for incarcerated students, and strengthening pathways from incarceration into campus programs and careers. Staff said CDCR agreed to limit intra‑semester student transfers between facilities to reduce class disruptions and that all incarcerated students in the state prison system should have laptop access and Wi‑Fi by 2027.
Student testimony and faculty perspective: Laney College faculty and a Rising Scholars student (Judah) described face‑to‑face instruction inside juvenile facilities, the impact of in‑person classes on learning and social connection, and Judah's path from an associate degree earned while under supervision to transfer applications to multiple universities. Judah credited specific courses and faculty mentoring with sustaining academic progress and enabling graduation and advocated for scaling the model.
Workforce alignment and recovery: Rising Scholars staff tied program expansion to regional workforce needs, pointing to targeted opportunities such as rebuilding after the Los Angeles fires and partnerships with employers to create training-to-career pipelines. Board members urged rapid scale‑up, indicated willingness to pursue additional resources, and discussed logistical challenges such as funding, staffing and technology deployment.
Next steps: Staff said the Chancellor's Office plans additional demonstration awards for colleges (65 planned intent-to-award notifications), continued partnership with CDCR on transfers and technology, and follow-up to the board with progress on scaling and funding options.
