Colleges Support Justice-Impacted Students through New Program
In September 2026, Diablo Valley College celebrated the launch of Scholars for Justice, a new program supporting justice-impacted students as they pursue their education and career goals.
Funded by the statewide Rising Scholars Network, programs that support justice-impacted students are now offered at all three colleges in the district, with Diablo Valley College joining Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College.
Scholars for Justice serves currently and formerly incarcerated students, individuals currently or formerly on probation, and youth who are in or transitioning from juvenile justice facilities.
“This program offers a supportive community where students can build connections, navigate college, and access personalized academic guidance at every stage of their educational journey,” said Dean of Social Sciences Dr. Lisa Ratchford, who led the development of DVC’s program.
Services include college transition and financial aid assistance, career exploration, transfer and career education pathways, priority registration for eligible students, counseling referrals, tutoring, technology support, and connections to campus and community resources. Together, these services and pathways support students in pursuing meaningful careers and contributing to building stronger, more equitable communities.
DVC’s launch event brought together students, community members, and partners to celebrate the beginning of this important work.
Through Scholars for Justice, 4CD colleges are expanding pathways to higher education, strengthening reentry support, and helping students identify their next steps toward meaningful educational and career opportunities.
Los Medanos College graduate Benjamin Osborn benefitted from the Resilience, Inclusion, Self-Empowerment program, which supports justice-impacted students at LMC.
“Through education, I found my freedom. I found a place where I belong,” he said. “And more importantly, I found my purpose.”
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