Rising Scholars

About Us

The Rising Scholars Program (RSP) at Columbia College, formerly known as ISP, exists to serve justice impacted students with targeted resources and provides a supportive and inclusive community. We serve juveniles and adults who have ever experienced an arrest, detainment, probation, or incarceration in our on-campus Rising Scholars Center. In addition, we also provide college courses and services to students currently residing at Sierra Conservation Center (SCC), Vallecito Conservation Camp, Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp, Tuolumne County Jail, and Mother Lode Regional Juvenile Detention Facility. Our services are confidential, tailored to the needs of individuals, and are guided by the belief that every person has a right to quality education regardless of their personal background.

The following degrees are offered at Sierra Conservation Center:

Beginning Social Work SAC
Business Management AS
History AA-T
Social and Behavioral Sciences AA
Sociology AA-T
Social Work & Human Services COA
CSU-GE Breadth COA
IGETC Pattern COA

Targeted Student Support

Our goal is to meet students where they are and provide meaningful, targeted supports to help them to be successful in their academic journey. We offer:

Application and registration assistance
Textbook, grocery, and gas vouchers
Assistance with course materials
Dorm housing assistance and emergency aid
Dorm room welcome package
Snack pantry
School supplies

Workshops on various topics
Referrals to on-campus support services
Referrals to community agencies
Community art and healing circles
Group field trips and campus tours
Program events
A safe and supportive environment for students to co-create space

Be a Part of the Rising Scholars Program!

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the legal system and are in need of support, please click the button or scan the QR code below to access the Rising Scholars Student Inquiry Form.

Someone will respond to you shortly.
We look forward to serving you!