Transitions takes on a whole new meaning as more formally and currently incarcerated students join our Palomar community on their way to getting their GED.
The Palomar College Transitions Program assists current and formerly incarcerated individuals at getting accustomed to the Palomar College community.
With the program comes various benefits including tutoring, peer advising, check-in, community support, guest speakers, counseling, and more.
Classes are held at both Vista Detention Facility and online. Students can choose whether to join the Transitions program throughout the year and/or also participate in the Summer Transitions Program where students can join the community, take part in weekly activities, and join the Summer Program classes.
In order to be eligible, individuals need to either be formerly incarcerated or have been involved in the criminal justice system. Being on or off parole or probation does not affect eligibility. Individuals must also be living or paroling in the north county San Diego area. In addition, individuals must be able and willing to take part in college-level work, have the motivation to complete a college education, and maintain progress to complete at least 6 units each semester. Lastly, individuals must submit applications for both Palomar College and financial aid.
Once registered, students can meet with a counselor to form an education plan which outlines the classes the student will need to take on their academic journey and then enroll in classes using their MyPalomar account.
Contact program coordinator, Dr. Nora Kennedy, if interested in the program. Dr. Kennedy can be reached by email at nkenneywhitley@palomar.edu or by phone (760) 744-1150 x 3287. Dr. Kennedy can also assist with the next step of registering as a Palomar student before applying for financial aid.
North County Educational Opportunity Center (NCEOC) can assist with financial aid. Outreach specialist Gabriela Hernandez-Lopez can be contacted at (760) 744-1150 ext. 2434. Dreamers, people without U.S. residency documentation, are encouraged to join the program as well.