Resilience, Inclusion, Self-Empowerment. The characteristics of students who have been affected by the justice system.
RISE is a program at LMC designed to help support and guide students to pursue higher education and awareness who were impacted by the justice system and those affected by arrest, incarceration, domestic violence and child abuse to receive support.
“Many individuals from the west side of Contra Costa County who are incarcerated are released to the east side, where they are often faced with a choice: to work or pursue education,” said EOPS Director Carissa Craig-Huddleston. Most students who went through these hassles don’t have much support or choices to help guide them along the way.
The program is a footing into the environment and helps those students who have similar experiences or hardships connect and invest in each other to belong and succeed. According to Andrew Murphy, EOPS program coordinator, “When students feel like they belong, they are more likely to stay engaged and see themselves thriving here at LMC.” The support they can provide amongst themselves will help motivate them to pursue their goals and more.
“We also help students make connections with programs and organizations that support their personal and professional growth.” Andrew Murphy said. Among the RISE program itself, members get support to find information and further their goals in their careers.
Among all these resources on campus for these students, they also have workshop opportunities. “Workshops that we plan to host introduce students to new ideas and tools, and career readiness helps them practice for what’s ahead.” Andrew Murphy said. Some workshops have already been offered at West County, Martinez and Marsh Creek facilities.
RISE supports the development of members, both in their personal and professional lives.
“Our goal is to ensure every student knows they have a supportive village of allies invested in their success.” Nicole Gomes said. The creation of a student-led club for justice-involved students is currently underway. Hopefully, these students can create a welcoming environment for each other and help their fellow students’ voices be heard.
Bridging Roots, a similar LMC program, was shut down during the pandemic. The college planned to bring it back to campus eventually, which it eventually did. In spring 2025, the RISE program was created and the Rising Scholars grant was written.
“The grant allows us to dream bigger about what RISE can become. Funding will enable us to expand our outreach, design intentional programming and continue to adapt based on what students tell us they need most.” Andrew Murphy said.
Being impacted by the justice system, whether directly or through a close relative, can challenge an individual’s academic journey. So over the past year, students who self-identified as incarcerated or former incarcerated were able to build meaningful relationships and become more prepared, as Nicole Gomes said.
“I witnessed how incarceration affects not just the individual, but the entire family emotionally, financially, and socially. It can bring instability or make it difficult to focus on school,” Craig-Huddleston said.
Students who have been impacted by the justice system typically face hardships that can make it challenging to be successful in college. From struggling with mental health, home insecurity, and financial instability, RISE supports students through individual guidance, peer support, and trauma-informed services, Craig-Huddleston said.
Students are encouraged to explore careers through the offered workshops, mentorships, and opportunities to develop and expand their skills to succeed. A new counseling partnership has been developed to make sure students have access to education planning and become successful in the future.
The purpose of this program is to see success in justice-impacted individuals: academic success, long-term stability and new opportunities.
There are plans to elevate the program in the future by growing partnerships with community organizations, offering housing, mental health services and aid for members.
“Our goal is to help students not only succeed academically but also feel rooted and supported in their college journey,” Andrew Murphy said.
Although it is a fairly new program, RISE has already helped students gain confidence for their education journey with five RISE students graduating this past May.
