BC held its 3rd Annual Rising Scholars Resource Fair at Renegade Crossroads on April 9. The event is to support formerly incarcerated individuals by connecting them with resources for education, employment, and community reintegration.
Michael Wyatt, Program Assistant for the Rising Scholars Program, shared that they partnered with Bakersfield Parole to host a PAC meeting and resource fair aimed at supporting formerly incarcerated students, as well as others impacted by incarceration.
The event connected attendees with key community organizations such as CAPK, Garden Pathways, Kern Family Health Care, and Bakersfield College, which have proven especially beneficial.
Wyatt highlighted that April is recognized as Second Chance Month a designation made under the Biden administration to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with felony records, including barriers to housing, employment, and reintegration.
The goal of the event was to provide support and resources to help individuals with past convictions rebuild and move forward.
Lucy Rodriguez, a representative from BC’s Transfer Department, states she is committed to helping students continue their education by transferring to a four-year university to earn their bachelor’s degree. They offer support through year-round workshops and advising services to help facilitate transferring.
Alyssa Bowe talked about how veterans can benefit from multiple programs they offer. Their office serves all veterans, but they have dedicated Service Representatives specifically focused on supporting justice-involved veterans—whether they’re currently incarcerated, on probation, parole, or going through court proceedings.
Whether they’re currently incarcerated, on probation or parole, or going through court proceedings.
Norma Garcia and Randy Orman from Employers Training Resource (ETR) share information about their services for formerly incarcerated individuals. They offer both in-person and virtual orientations to help participants understand available resources, including job placement support and potential full funding for education or vocational training, depending on eligibility. With over nine years of experience in this work,
ETR continues to partner with employers to assist individuals in successfully reentering the workforce.
The fair served as a powerful reminder that with the right support and opportunities, individuals can overcome past challenges and build brighter futures. Bakersfield College and its partners strive to remain dedicated to creating pathways for all students—no matter their background.