Everyone deserves a second chance in life. Our past mistakes do not define us and that’s exactly what Bakersfield College’s Program, “The Rising Scholars,” embodies.
April is recognized as Second Chance Month and with that, Rising Scholars are dedicated to providing incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals opportunities for personal and academic growth.
The Rising Scholars currently operate in five prisons in Kern and Kings Counties, Community Transitional Reentry Program, and two juvenile hall facilities.
With their involvement in the system, they have also expanded their focus to on-campus students as well.
Rising Scholars provide resources that guide them through every step of their college journey such as enrollment, accessing financial aid, using student services, and also advocating for all-inclusive opportunities.
Second Chance Month holds special importance for The Rising Scholars Program because it recognizes that these individuals are more than their mistakes and serve support for them as well.
The Rising Scholars hosted a clothing drive on April 2, at BC’s main campus near the Welcome Center Building.
The Rising Scholars Program Director, Angelica Perez stated, “Our proceeds are donated to men and women housing and any donations for kids will be donated to the Family Center.” Perez also stated, “With it being Second Chance Month we are giving back to our community and Rising Scholars provides general acceptance and support for our members.”
Fellow Rising Scholars member and formerly incarcerated BC student, Israel Cota stated, “Despite making mistakes, I was given a second chance and I encourage people to seek a higher education the way it’s helped me.”
If interested in joining The Rising Scholars Program or just getting the word out to individuals that can benefit from their opportunities, be sure to visit their sessions located at the Center for Student Success (CSS) Room 168 on the 2nd floor at BC’s main campus.
Also, The Rising Scholars Program will be hosting events all month during every week of April, which include an Open House, Garden Fest, four more clothing drives, a Resource Fair, a panel and two fundraisers hosted by Chipotle and Krispy Kreme Donuts.
Everyone is encouraged to come out and support their fellow BC classmates.