“We are a forgotten population, the bottom of society—and to have educators from the top come down to be here with us, that action is amazing. Getting to share their voices is amazing,” said Kenji Yanagida, one of the incarcerated graduates honored during the Norco College 2025 Rising Scholars Commencement Ceremony at the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco, California.
Held Tuesday, June 17, the joint commencement ceremony recognized students earning degrees through Norco College, Coastline College, Cuesta College, Palo Verde College, and Pitzer College. The Rising Scholars Program, part of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Rising Scholars Network, offers incarcerated individuals access to quality higher education and a second chance at life.
The ceremony opened with a stirring violin rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by a CRC inmate. Trustee Bill Hedrick, moved by the performance, remarked that the violinist played with such skill and emotion that he could headline a concert.
Warden Leo Quiroz welcomed attendees by affirming the impact of education behind prison walls. “This ceremony is a testament to the power of education within the confines of a prison. Rehabilitation is possible, and education builds that foundation for a better life,” he said. “I’m proud of you guys.”
Among the more than 600 students served by the program each year, many crossed the stage to accept their degrees in business administration, sociology, and other disciplines. Some graduates were also awarded bachelor’s degrees through a partnership with Pitzer College—a testament to the potential of the “Inside-Out” educational model.
“Despite the circumstance, I’m excited for what’s ahead,” said graduate Richard Gonzales.
“This is one of the most transformative things I’ve ever experienced,” added Ryan Brennan. “The inside-out model—learning alongside faculty—is incredibly healing.”
Graduate Marcus Barnett said the program brought him a sense of clarity and hope. “I’ve become mentally free. Though incarcerated, I now have a better feel for navigating society,” he said. “I’m thankful to the administrators, faculty, and my family.”
Students credited the faculty for restoring dignity and inspiring growth. “There’s nothing like staying focused and working hard,” said Joseph Acuña. “Despite being in prison, God has blessed us with this opportunity,” said Deepak Charan.
Kwangson Kim, 60, reflected on the program's unexpected impact: “It was an awesome experience—at my great age, in the most unexpected place, with great faculty.”
David Sosa, 62, shared a written statement, thanking Norco College faculty and staff for fostering a space for “safe dialogue and critical thinking” that helped him “redefine [his] goals.”
Norco College President Monica Green, Ed.D., RCCD Board President José Alcala, RCCD Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D., and California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian, Ph.D., were among the dignitaries in attendance, along with Board of Governors Vice President Bill Rawlings and student representative Casey Chang.
Lisa Nelson, Ph.D., Rising Scholars faculty coordinator and faculty commencement speaker, was nominated by students to deliver remarks. Drawing from Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, she asked attendees to consider what truly measures a man, not their worst mistake, but the journey they’ve taken. Her words from Mama in Act III of the play moved the audience.
Norco College student speaker Joshua Breslow echoed that sentiment. “Faculty have humanized us,” he said. “Don’t wait to be powerful—you already are.”
Families were also invited to observe the ceremony, and the moment offered a powerful glimpse of hope. “Thank God for this wonderful opportunity to improve their life and better their chances for a career,” said the mother of graduate Richard Rios. “I’m thankful to all the teachers.”
The Rising Scholars Program at Norco College, launched in 2017, is designed to reduce recidivism and prepare students for life beyond prison. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than 218 degrees to 182 students. Services will be expanding in Fall 2025 to include on-campus support for formerly incarcerated students with a new Rising Scholars space at Norco College.
Virginia Blumenthal, an RCCD trustee and prominent Riverside criminal defense attorney, acknowledged during a board meeting that she has represented some of the CRC graduates in the past. Though she was unable to attend the ceremony due to a court appearance, she noted that many of the graduates she’s worked with have had zero recidivism, and she is proud of the program’s impact.
The success of the ceremony was made possible thanks to the efforts of Kylie Campbell, interim associate dean of educational partnerships, and her dedicated team. Their commitment to education as a vehicle for change was on full display in the emotional and triumphant celebration.
For more information about the Rising Scholars Program at Norco College, visit https://www.norcocollege.edu/academicaffairs/ep/risingscholars/index.html.