Rising Scholars CIW & CIM

In addition to its three campuses, Chaffey College also delivers high-quality education to students through its Rising Scholars program (formerly Turning Point) at the California Institution for Women (CIW) and the California Institution for Men in Chino (CIM). The Rising Scholars program promotes Chaffey’s vision in that it transforms the lives of currently incarcerated students through education.

Rising Scholars began in 2004 with 26 students, having the goal of helping the women earn an associate’s degree within three years. From 2015-2019, Chaffey College awarded 135 degrees and certificates to students at CIM and CIW. 

Rising Scholars has served more than 400 students, with students passing 94 percent of courses they have attempted. Some of our Rising Scholar students have continued with Chaffey College post release, at other community colleges, or have gone onto four year universities, such as UC Berkeley and San Diego State University."

Rising Scholar students receive textbook and tuition support through Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). They have access to Counseling, Disability Programs and Services (DPS) and Success Center support through inmates trained as tutors. Graduates have gone on to serve as Success Center tutors and have seen success in other jobs as well.

 

Recent Events

11 Rising Scholar Students Graduate

Mara Plascencia wore a graduation cap, gown and sash, and stood proudly at the podium for her commencement speech. But she told the audience that had she continued down the path of her former life, she may not have made it there.

“I led a reckless lifestyle in the past,” she said. “I didn’t see myself living past the age of 19, but here I am.”

Plascencia and 10 other women at the California Institution for Women celebrated the completion of degree and certificate programs during an Oct. 28 Chaffey College commencement ceremony. Read more.

 

Contact

Stephen Lux
Professor, Criminal Justice
Rising Scholar Coordinator
Email: stephen.lux@chaffey.edu

Admissions and Records
Rhonda Frank
Educational Services Generalist
Rising Scholar Liaison
Email: rhonda.frank@chaffey.edu

Financial Aid
Michelle Escalante
Financial Aid Advisor
Michelle.Escalante@chaffey.edu