Rising Scholars Program

The Rising Scholars Program at Mission College is dedicated to providing incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and justice-impacted students with access to higher education. Through personalized support and community connections, we help students redirect their lives, achieve academic success, and reach their full potential.

Supporting Second Chances

Mission College proudly partners with the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff to serve students at the Elmwood Correctional Facility, Main Jail, and Reentry Resource Center. Our program extends this support to students transitioning back into the community or enrolling on campus.

Mission College is part of the Rising Scholars Network, a statewide initiative supporting justice-impacted students across California.

Benefits and Support Services

The Rising Scholars Program provides a wide range of resources to ensure academic and personal success:

Personal Academic Counselor: Individualized guidance for educational goals
Scholarship & Financial Aid Support: Help navigating tuition and funding
Mental Health Counseling: Access to emotional support services
Enrollment Assistance: Step-by-step help with application and registration
Basic Needs Support: Food, transportation, free parking, and childcare
Referrals to Community Services: Employment, housing, expungement, and more

Eligibility Requirements

To participate, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Currently Incarcerated – Individuals who are presently serving time in a correctional facility.
Formerly Incarcerated – Individuals who have been released from incarceration and are re-entering society.
Justice-Impacted – Individuals who have been affected by the criminal justice system, including those on probation, parole, or with a criminal record.