• Advocacy Letters: Letters written on a student’s behalf for judges, courts, parole officers, and probation officers.
• Rising Scholars Advocates: Mentors with professional and lived experience who provide support, encouragement, and connections to resources on campus.
• Transfer Connections: Campus tours and connections to four-year programs that serve formerly incarcerated and system-impacted students.
• Academic Guidance: Academic counseling and referrals to college and community resources.
• Technology and Study Space: Computer access, a study area, and printing.
• Peer Support: Peer mentorship, navigation, and encouragement.
• Wellness and Community: Wellness workshops, activities, meetings, and events.
• College Access: Outreach and enrollment assistance for new and returning students.

To receive Rising Scholars support and services, a student must identify with at least one of the following experiences:

• Formerly incarcerated
• Involved with the criminal legal system, including juvenile detention, jail, probation, or parole
• System-impacted because a loved one has experienced incarceration

Enrollment eligibility: Currently enrolled in at least 6 units at Lemoore College or interested in enrolling, and identifies as a student affected by incarceration.

We ask participating students to complete the following during each semester:

• Connect with an assigned Rising Scholars Advocate approximately every two weeks for a brief check-in and support.
• Attend at least three Rising Scholars meetings or events.
• Meet with a counselor to develop a comprehensive educational plan.

• Stanley Peterson, Director
• Hector Briseño, Counselor
• Nona Montano-Dominguez, Program Assistant
• Theresa Steele, Student Ambassador