College of the Canyons Rising Scholars Program Honored with 2025-26 Exemplary Program Award
The Rising Scholars program at College of the Canyons (COC) has received the prestigious 2025-26 Exemplary Program Award, as announced by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. The recognition was presented during a board meeting held on January 13 in Sacramento.
A Celebration of Uplifting Voices
The award, sponsored by the Foundation for California Community Colleges, was established in 1991 to celebrate outstanding community college programs across the state. This year’s theme, “Voices of Resilience,” emphasizes initiatives that elevate student voices and integrate personal experiences into educational frameworks.
Commitment to Equity and Diversity
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” stated Dianne Avery, Dean of Academic Innovation and Continuing Education at COC. The program is dedicated to fostering equity and diversity, particularly for students who have been historically underserved.
Empowering Justice-Impacted Students
Launched in 2015, the Rising Scholars program focuses on supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in their academic pursuits. COC collaborates with local facilities, including the Pitchess Detention Center and Century Regional Detention Facility, providing on-campus programming that complements educational initiatives within these institutions.
Impactful Statistics
Since its inception, the program has successfully assisted over 7,290 justice-impacted students, with 1,249 receiving noncredit certificates between 2022 and 2025. “Our Rising Scholars program perfectly exemplifies our mission,” asserted Garrett Rieck, the program’s faculty coordinator. “Beyond academics, the program equips students with essential life skills for a successful reintegration into society.”
Comprehensive Educational Offerings
Initially focused on credit courses at Pitchess, the Rising Scholars program has broadened its scope to include noncredit courses aimed at vocational training, life skills, and transitional support. Students benefit from a dedicated space within the School of Personal and Professional Learning, where they can study, consult with counselors, and connect with peers.
Supportive Collaboration with LASD
The program enjoys strong support from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), awarding milestones for every 60 hours of coursework completed, which may contribute to early release. Students often present their Life Skills course certificates during court or parole hearings, influencing favorable outcomes and aiding family reunification.
Expansion of Vocational Training Opportunities
Through its collaboration with LASD, COC has expanded noncredit offerings within county jails to include vocational training, resulting in an increase in enrollment and certificate completion rates. This initiative underscores COC’s mission to help justice-impacted individuals rebuild their lives by addressing their unique needs.
Building Community and Workforce Skills
CCC Board President Hildegarde B. Aguinaldo recognizes the program’s significant impact, stating, “COC is successfully helping justice-impacted individuals rebuild their lives by creating a program to meet their unique needs. Not only does this program provide these individuals with workforce and personal development training, but it also establishes a space for students to build community.”
Join the Rising Scholars Network
College of the Canyons is an active member of the California Community Colleges’ Rising Scholars Network, founded in 2014 to support nearly 20,000 justice-involved students in various settings statewide.
For more information about the Rising Scholars program, visit the official Rising Scholars webpage. Discover how this exemplary program continues to foster resilience, community, and educational opportunities for those facing challenges in their paths to success.
