Rising Scholars Achieve Degrees, Certificates and Top Honors
May 27, 2022 - 12:57 AM
Photos by Marketing Student Employee, Chris Segovia
The 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.
Of 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, 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.
According 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.
