The Chancellor’s Office recently announced the College of the Canyons Rising Scholars Program as the recipient of the 2025-26 Exemplary Program Award. This year’s theme “Voices of Resilience,” selected by the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, highlights programs that uplift student voices and create space for lived experiences in education.

The awards recognize outstanding community college programs that serve as a sustainable and comprehensive model for other colleges in supporting and uplifting student voices. This year, one winner was selected, receiving $4,000 to support their program. Additionally, three programs earned honorary mentions for their innovative approaches and creative strategies to uplift student voices.

This Year’s Awardee

The College of the Canyons Rising Scholars Program
The College of the Canyons Rising Scholars Program was developed to address the systemic barriers to educational and career advancement faced by individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Recognizing the shorter length of stay common in county jails, the program implemented an innovative solution by creating condensed noncredit courses focused on vocational training, life skills, and reentry preparation. These courses provide a safe environment for students to share lived experiences and build community while developing professional skills. This specialized approach resulted in significant growth, with noncredit enrollment reaching 7,100 students in the 2024-2025 academic year and hundreds of students earning certificates that assist with court compliance and early release.

The program thrives through a close collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Education-Based Incarceration Program, serving as the only community college in the county with an active Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide these services. On campus, the program coordinates a unified reentry network involving the School of Personal and Professional Learning, counseling, and basic-needs departments to provide warm handoffs to students transitioning out of custody. It supports the college mission by offering accessible, holistic education that champions equity and diversity while supporting degree attainment and workforce development. This model is easily replicable in other community colleges by leveraging existing Rising Scholars grants, CAEP funds, and lottery allocations to braid funding and coordinate student services.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

MiraCosta College was honored for its Transitions Scholars Program, which supports justice-impacted students by addressing barriers like housing insecurity stigma, trauma, and limited support through a holistic and responsive approach that builds belonging and stability.

City College of San Francisco was acknowledged for its Photography Program, which expands equitable access to professional training for students who couldn’t otherwise afford it by covering nearly all material costs and providing “Equity Kits” to remove financial barriers.

Santa Monica College earned recognition for its Architecture Program, which addresses the lack of diversity in architecture. The program builds community and belonging by focusing on design projects for marginalized communities and shared course scheduling.

FoundationCCC sponsors the annual Exemplary Program Awards, reaffirming our commitment to empowering innovation and excellence across the California Community College system. By recognizing and celebrating these outstanding programs, we support efforts to advance student success and equity statewide.