Scholars for Justice

Scholars for Justice is a supportive community that helps justice-impacted students navigate college, build a sense of belonging, and achieve their educational and career goals. Whether you are exploring college for the first time, preparing for release, navigating reentry, or already attending ��ϳԹ��, Scholars for Justice is here to help you identify your next steps and connect with the support you need.

Who is Eligible for Scholars for Justice?

Currently/formerly incarcerated individuals
Currently/formerly on probation
Youth in or transitioning from juvenile facilities

How Scholars for Justice Can Help

Scholars for Justice can help you understand your options, identify your next steps, and connect with people and resources that can support your success. Services include:

College transition
Financial aid
Career & academic exploration
Priority registration (eligible students)
Counseling referrals (on-campus & in-custody)
Community/campus resource connections
Free tutoring & technology help
Dedicated academic support team

For Community & Referral Partners

Scholars for Justice welcomes partnerships and referrals from correctional & juvenile facilities, adult education programs, probation & parole partners, reentry organizations, community-based organizations, and other agencies serving justice-impacted individuals.

To refer a student:

Speak with the student about Scholars for Justice and ask if they are interested in a referral.
Help them contact the program coordinator or .

Frequently Asked Questions

Scholars for Justice is Diablo Valley College’s student-focused program for justice-impacted students and is funded by the Rising Scholars Network. The program grew out of Adult Education efforts and the leadership of formerly incarcerated students who organized to reclaim their identities as scholars and to advocate for greater support on campus.

Rooted in belonging, empowerment, and second chances, Scholars for Justice offers personalized support, resources, advocacy, and connections to help students navigate college, overcome barriers, and achieve their educational and career goals.
The Rising Scholars Network is an initiative within California Community Colleges dedicated to supporting justice-impacted students. It partners with campuses across the state to ensure these students have the resources and community they need to succeed.
Scholars for Justice supports current and prospective ��ϳԹ�� students who are formerly or currently incarcerated, participating in reentry, transitioning from juvenile facilities, on probation or parole, or otherwise navigating the transition from the justice system to higher education.
Scholars for Justice provides enrollment and transition support, financial aid assistance, priority registration for eligible students, academic and career-pathway support, referrals to campus services and community resources, and academic counseling both on campus and in custody.
Yes. Community organizations, correctional and juvenile facilities, adult education programs, probation and parole partners, reentry organizations, and other referral partners are encouraged to refer students to Scholars for Justice. Students can be referred before they apply to ��ϳԹ��, during the enrollment process, or after they have started taking classes.
The Scholars for Justice Program is always looking to build partnerships with community organizations that serve justice-impacted individuals. If your organization is interested in working together to connect individuals with educational opportunities and support services at ��ϳԹ��, we would love to connect. Please reach out to Lisa Smiley-Ratchford, Dean of Social Sciences, to learn more about partnership opportunities.