Roundtable: Going from Concrete Rose to Concrete Gardener - Peer Mentorship in the Rising Scholars Program

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Sessions

Abstract/Description

Discussants will share the impact of peer mentorship within the Rising Scholars at Mt. San Antonio College, a student support program dedicated to empowering formerly incarcerated students in higher education across the California Community Colleges. Centering on the lived experiences of student mentors and mentees, the panel will examine how peer mentorship fosters academic achievement, personal growth, and a strong sense of belonging on campus. Participants will explore how shared experiences build strong and unique connections that traditional mentorship often lacks. Furthermore, connections such as these promote leadership, accountability, resilience, and pathways to rehabilitation and recovery for system-impacted students. The discussants, including program staff, peer mentors, and student employees, all formerly incarcerated and active participants in the Rising Scholars Program will reflect on best practices, common challenges, and the transformative role of peer-led support in promoting healing, persistence, and success in higher education.

Sub Unit

• Area XIV. Roundtables

Chair

• Kevin Michael Gonzalez, California State University, Long Beach

Discussants

• Alice Rainwater, Mt. San Antonio College

• Timoteo Benitez, Mt. San Antonio College

• Janice Charles, Mt. San Antonio College

• Janet Cisneros, Mt. San Antonio College