Riverside City College Awarded $1.5 Million Grant to Empower Impacted Students Through the Rising Scholars Program
Riverside City College is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous grant amounting to $1,545,454 from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. This substantial funding has been allocated to bolster RCC’s Rising Scholars Program, offering critical support to students impacted by the carceral system.
The grant is a part of the 2022-23 California State Budget Act AB 1624/SB840, and Riverside City College is proud to be one of the 44 California Community Colleges chosen as grant recipients, as approved by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors (BOG) during their meeting on September 26, 2023. The grant will be disbursed over a span of five years and is poised to make a transformative impact on the lives of students who are impacted by the system.
About the Rising Scholars Program: The Rising Scholars Program at Riverside City College is a beacon of hope for individuals whose lives have been touched by the carceral system. This pioneering initiative is designed to equip students with the tools they need to achieve their highest potential through higher education. Recognizing that each student has a unique set of experiences and challenges, the Rising Scholars team diligently identifies and alleviates potential barriers for our students, ensuring their success throughout their college journey, from application to graduation.
Program Services: The Rising Scholars Program at Riverside City College offers a comprehensive suite of services, including but not limited to:
- Academic counseling
- A robust support system comprising RCC personnel, faculty, and fellow students
- Career assessments
- Tutoring
- Peer support
- Engaging events, workshops, and inspiring field trips
- Connections to on-campus and community resources
- Financial Assistance (based on available funding)
- A valuable partnership with California State University Project Rebound and the University of California Underground Scholars
The grant funding will significantly enhance these services, allowing the Rising Scholars Program to expand its reach and impact. Riverside City College is committed to nurturing the potential of all students and providing them with the support they need to succeed.
This grant exemplifies the commitment of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors to creating pathways for success for system-impacted students, reinforcing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of incarceration and detention.
For more information about the Riverside City College Rising Scholars Program, please visit https://www.rcc.edu/student-support/student-support/rising-scholars.html.