Menu

Rising Scholars Achieve Degrees, Certificates and Top Honors

Students and staff pose with certificates

May 27, 2022 - 12:57 AM

Photos by Marketing Student Employee, Chris Segovia

Rising Scholar with professor and certificateThe Still We Rise Achievement Ceremony was the first celebration of accomplishment for the students of Mt. SAC’s newest program: Rising Scholars. The event celebrated the achievements of 11 students who have either experienced incarceration or were impacted by the criminal justice system through a conviction.

Rising ScholarsOf the 11 students awarded, eight were graduating with a degree and transferring to a 4-year university, two earned certificates, and one student completed their G.E.D. The transferring institutions include Cal Poly, Cal State L.A., Cal State Fullerton, and Arizona State University.

Leandro Perez with certificate and staffLeandro Perez, was even awarded one of Mt. SAC’s highest student honors, being named a Student of Distinction. Oscar Diaz also received a nomination for this award. 

Rising Scholars offers support that is tailored to the unique needs of this student population.  The program provides counselors, workshops, cultural outings, peer mentorship, and support from staff to encourage academic success.

Joe Louis HernandezAccording to Rising Scholars Coordinator Joe Louis Hernandez, the goal is to “promote a more inclusive environment on campus that will assist in students’ sense of belonging in order to achieve their academic goals.”   

Find out more about Rising Scholars at their website.