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Summer Rising Scholars (Transitions) Program

The Summer Rising Scholars (Transitions) Program is open only to formerly incarcerated people. Together, 20-25 students form a cohort and take classes, participate in weekly activities, and join the larger Rising Scholars (Transitions) Program community.

Program Details:

  • For the summer program, students must enroll in two classes: Counseling 120 and Sociology 110 (part of the Learning Communities program; learn about this great program here). Only Rising Scholars (Transitions) Program students are eligible for these two classes, which are taught by formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted professors.
  • Summer program students must also participate in weekly activities designed to provide encouragement and role modeling. Weekly activities include guest speakers and fieldtrips to organizations like Homeboy Industries, Cal State San Marcos Project Rebound and Triton Underground Scholars at UC San Diego.
  • For summer 2023, orientations will begin mid-May, with classes and activities going from Tuesday May 30 to and end-of-program completion ceremony and celebration on Friday July 21.
  • Summer 2024 dates are TBD.  Please check back in early 2024 for more details.

Summer Program Classes:

SOC 110: Social Problems – (3 units, Transfer Acceptability: CSU/UC) This course explores current social problems like mass incarceration and the social and historical influences of social problems from various perspectives. It encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking and to understand the role of social movements and other forms of activism in the solving of social problems.

COUN 120 – (3 units, Transfer acceptability: CSU; UC) This course provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to reach their educational goals. Topics include academic learning strategies, college and life skills, diversity awareness and assessment of personal characteristics related to educational success. The role of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation and age in higher education and personal identity are central themes of the course.

The Eligibility page provides more information on whether the Summer Rising Scholars (Transitions) Program might be a good fit for you. If you would like to join the Rising Scholars (Transitions) Program or become part of the summer cohort, please contact us at rise@palomar.edu!