Welcome, Rising Scholars!

The Rising Scholars program was created to support students who were previously incarcerated or had other experiences with the criminal justice system, or who have been affected by a family member’s incarceration.

Our mission is to create a pathway into higher education and to serve students from enrollment through graduation, by addressing their academic and social needs.

Want to know more? Use our interest form if you'd like more information or think you might want to join the program.

Rising Scholars Interest form

Student Outreach Coordinators

Aurelio

Aurelio Cardenas

“The Rising Scholars program has given me a sense of direction and purpose in my life. Not only has it made me a better student, but it has made me a better person. Rising scholars provides a sense of community that I did not know existed on school campuses.”

Katrina

Katrina Stewart

"The De Anza College Rising Scholars program has not only played an impactful role in my academic success, but it has become an integral part of the foundation for my recovery and future successes. With it, I've found a sense of community, purpose, confidence, and strength. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey!"

Internships, Scholarships + Events

Learn about internships and scholarships, educational events and other opportunities for community college students who were previously incarcerated or affected by the justice system.

students in line across room, smiling

Benefits and Services

As a student in the Rising Scholars program, you can get

  • Counseling and academic advising
  • Transfer assistance and advising
  • Scholarship and financial aid information
  • Student-to-student tutoring and mentoring
  • Tutoring in math and English
  • Opportunities for paid internships
  • Workshops and special events
  • Field trips to four-year universities
  • Help in maintaining priority registration status
  • And more!

More Resources Available to You

Visit our Resources for Rising Scholars webpage for a partial list of more programs and services available to you at De Anza.

Resources for Rising Scholars

Justice Equity Peace

Call Us!

You can reach us at 408.864.8268. 

Our office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Counselor

Jesus Ruelas

Jesus Ruelas

Outreach Counselor

Request a Meeting

We're available to meet on Zoom or in person. Use the online form to schedule a meeting with Jesus Ruelas.

Schedule Meeting

Program Coordinator

Claudia Guzman

Claudia Guzman

Program Coordinator

Faculty Coordinator

James Nguyen

James Nguyen

Faculty Member

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