The program encompasses two components: classes that take place at the Vista Detention Facility and an on-campus program. At the Vista Detention Facility, Palomar professors teach credit courses to currently incarcerated students. On campus, formerly incarcerated students can join the program anytime and become part of a thriving community of people liberating themselves through education. The program has a dedicated space on the Palomar College San Marcos campus where students can get a snack and take a breather between classes, peer mentor support, meet with staff, use computers for schoolwork, and more.

Program Benefits

Rising Scholars can take advantage of many benefits including but not limited to:

• Access to the Rising Scholars Center (“The Clubhouse”)
• Peer mentorship
• Weekly check-ins and consistently available community support
• Guest speakers, including formerly incarcerated people who are leaders in their fields
• Assistance with basic needs such as transportation, books, and other financial resources
• Referrals to counseling and student support services (academic and personal counseling, printing services, career counseling, and so on)

To join or get more information about the Rising Scholars Program, contact us at rise@palomar.edu or by phone at (760) 744-1150 x 2648. If you would like to begin the process of enrolling in Palomar College as a Rising Scholars (Transitions) Program student, the process is outlined here.

Palomar College Rising Scholars is supported by the Palomar College Foundation, which has an account designated for Rising Scholars direct student support Thank you for any donations you’re able to make!

Also, you can read about how the Palomar College Police Department supports the Rising Scholars program and its currently and formerly incarcerated students.