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
Rising Scholar Takes Stanford Coding Class
Rising Scholar Jon Hernandez was accepted into Stanford University's Code in Place course, which teaches the fundamentals of computer programming and the widely-used Python coding language. The online course covers the material
from Stanford's flagship programming course, CS106A, and requires a commitment of at least seven hours each week for six weeks.
Congratulations, Jon!
Learn more about upcoming events
Student Outreach Coordinators
Aurelio Cardenas
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.
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.
Contact Us
Counselor
Jesus Ruelas
Outreach Counselor
- 408.864.8901
- ruelasjesus@deanza.edu
- RSS 127
Request a Meeting
We're available to meet on Zoom or in person. Use the online form to schedule a meeting with Jesus Ruelas.
Program Coordinator
Faculty Coordinator
