Equity and Social Justice at ELAC

The East Los Angeles College Rising Scholars Program has unequivocally provided educational access and opportunity to formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted students who have been negatively affected by the U.S. judicial system. This unique and impactful program is committed to helping individuals in the community successfully transition into academia after incarceration by providing reintegration services and a pathway to higher education through case management, counseling, career guidance, and mentorship. Rising Scholars aims to increase student retention and access to a college education, breaking the cycle of recidivism and providing a powerful intergenerational impact on families. In its third year, the program has already shown promising results, impacting not only ELAC students, but its surrounding communities.  

Through an engaging panel discussion, former and current students who have experienced the criminal justice system will share their experiences, including the significant barriers they faced and how they achieved academic and career success. We will discuss using an asset-based methodology to assist students' development through higher education.