(Orange, CA) —Formerly incarcerated individuals are invited to attend the Santiago Canyon College’s (SCC) Continuing Education Preview Day on Thursday, June 21 at 12:00 p.m. to learn more about SCC’s First Year Support Center, a safe and welcoming place to obtain assistance to enter and succeed in college.
Preview Day will teach students how to enroll in college, apply for financial aid and provide them with tips on how to be successful in school as they pursue higher education.
“My role as a counselor is to help break down barriers to enrollment and build pathways to academic success,” said SCC counselor Rosalba Hernandez. “Formerly incarcerated students genuinely want to succeed in life by continuing with their education, but often times they may not know how to access educational opportunities. Preview Day will inform students how the community college can help them reach their educational goals.”
SCC student David Rudd, 57, who was released from prison in October 2017 after serving 21 years, immediately enrolled after meeting Hernandez prior to his parole and said SCC’s counselors were the first people to treat him like a person and not a former convict.
“It’s great to be treated like a real human being,” he said. “I appreciate that. What a lot of people don’t realize is that when we come out of there, they don’t just say you can leave. There are a lot of hoops you have to go through. Being treated like an equal, being treated like your life matters is something we’re not used to. They’re personal and take a personal interest in what you’re doing. I’m not just a number.”
Rudd, who has taken two classes since his release, said that besides professors and counselors taking a personal interest in their students, they work around his schedule. He also said he’s thankful for the opportunity to enroll in courses like Microsoft Excel, that have helped him increase his computer literacy.
“A lot of places offer help but they don’t offer resources,” said Rudd. “SCC’s counselors are really concerned for your success. It’s hard to find the places that you can get the training and studies you need. I learned a long time ago that when resources are available that can change your life, you don’t just sit there. This has been a miracle for me.”
Preview Day will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. in E-307 on the SCC campus at 8405 E. Chapman Ave. in Orange. Lunch will be provided. Interested students are encouraged to call (714) 628-5904 with questions.
About Santiago Canyon College
Santiago Canyon College (SCC) serves more than 17,000 credit and noncredit students each semester. In 2017, SCC was ranked #13 among the 50 Best Community Colleges in the U.S. by College Choice, a leading authority in college and university rankings and resources. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions and careers, and provides courses for personal and professional development, as well as customized training for business and industry. The college is recognized for its adult education program which keeps the working adult - and senior - in mind by offering flexible schedules, and community locations. Serving the residents of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park, SCC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
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