Moreno Valley College Awarded $357,657 Grant to Expand Rising Scholars Program

Moreno Valley College has been awarded a $357,657 grant from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to expand its Rising Scholars Program, which supports students impacted by the justice system. The grant will be distributed over three years, with MVC receiving $119,219 annually through 2028.

The funding comes as part of a statewide expansion of the Rising Scholars Network, a California initiative that now includes all community colleges that applied for the 2025–28 cycle. With increased state funding and the removal of an earlier cap on the number of participating institutions, colleges across the state will now have the opportunity to strengthen or launch programs designed to help justice-involved students succeed in higher education and beyond.

At Moreno Valley College, the Rising Scholars Program offers students personalized academic counseling, tutoring, career assessments, peer support, and skill development workshops. The program also connects students to campus and community resources, while offering events and field trips designed to build community and foster personal growth.

Sharaf Williams, Ed.D., dean of Counseling and Specially Funded Programs, said the grant will help MVC continue to remove barriers to student success and ensure comprehensive support for those most in need.

“This funding will allow us to expand services and staffing to meet the growing needs of our Rising Scholars,” Williams said. “With the support of our counselor, Terrie Hawthorne, and consultant David Penny, we're building a team focused on providing justice-impacted students with the tools and encouragement they need to thrive at MVC and beyond.”

The Rising Scholars Network serves more than 20,000 students across California and reflects the state’s commitment to the Vision 2030 goals of equity in access, support, and success. Programs like Rising Scholars aim to ease reentry transitions, promote transfer opportunities, and create pathways to livable-wage careers.

For more information about the Rising Scholars Program at MVC, visit mvc.edu/rising-scholars.