Rising Scholars
Partnerships with Currently and Formerly Incarcerated Students
Our newest program for justice involved students is Rising Scholars. This program is committed to serving currently or formerly incarcerated students, alongside other colleges supporting these students, proudly forming the Rising Scholars Network.
Our Goals include:
- Building an Educational Pipeline - A program that will go from inside the jail/prison, to re-entry, to Las Positas College, and beyond.
- Championing Educational Progress - Supporting our students in completion of a college degree, certificated, and/or transfer to a four-year institution.
- Providing Wrap-around Services - Giving support to our students throughout their educational journey and their transition process.
- Reducing Recidivism - Freedom through education while reducing the stigma of incarceration.
As part of the Rising Scholars Network, we are also proud to be a part of the state Chancellor's Vision 2030. The goals include:
- Equity in Success
- Increasing with equity the number of CCC students who: Complete a meaningful educational outcome, Attain a baccalaureate degree, and/or Earn a living wage.
- Equity in Access
- Equitably increasing the number of students attending a CCC, with particular emphasis on the number of underserved Californians.
- Equity in Support
- Equitably increasing the number of CCC students receiving state and federal aid for which they are eligible to better support their educational journey.
We are pleased to announce that we will be starting a ONSITE Rising Scholars Program for formerly incarcerated students. Please fill out this Interest Form if you'd like to join!
Our Programs - FCI Dublin
In collaboration with the Federal Corrections Institute (FCI) Dublin, our local federal women’s prison, Las Positas College was able to offer access to educational services and opportunities for careers to incarcerated students. For almost four years, we were able to provide many noncredit Business Certificates to our students. It is with great sadness that we share the closure of FCI Dublin in Spring 2024. Thank you to all of our FCI Instructors and FCI Coordinator for your dedication to this program! We wish all of our students all the best as they continue to prepare for their future.
Noncredit Business Academy
The Noncredit Business Academy launched in Fall 2019, is a short-term program that offers incarcerated students the opportunity to complete two certificates in Small Business Management and Customer Service. Completing seven courses in only 15 weeks, students will learn practical, real world skills to advance their career options.
Women's Business Initiative
The Women’s Business Initiative is a contract initiative with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in which a cohort of women students pursue an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. Students will gain skills required for the field of business and academic credits eligible for transfer to California’s public university systems and other institutions of higher education. This program was launched in Fall 2021 and was due to conclude in Fall 2024.