San Diego City College has received $10,000 from San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) for the City Scholars program, which provides academic, social, and emotional
support to facilitate formerly incarcerated student’s successful transition to college. Funds will be dispersed throughout the spring semester.

“Through the generosity from SDG&E, City Scholars will be using the grant to further support formerly incarcerated students. Our goal will be to help address some of our students’ basic needs, food, and housing insecurities,” said Andre Jones, City Scholars counselor. “The money will be used to provide our students with laptops, WiFi hotspots, grocery store gift cards, bus passes, gas cards, bookstore vouchers, student stipends, and emergency hotel stay vouchers.”

The City Scholars program was designed to help formerly incarcerated students transition to San Diego City College. Admitted students develop job skills, complete a degree program,and/or transfer to four-year university. While in the program, students gain and develop soft skills such as effective communication, time management, gaining self-awareness, discovering self-motivation, and accepting personal responsibility.

To qualify for the SDG&E grant, students must be formerly incarcerated, currently enrolled at City College, and actively participating in the City Scholars program. Active participation entails developing an educational plan with a City Scholars program counselor and discussing their career goals. Additionally, students are encouraged to meet with the college’s peer mentors monthly, attend program events, and meet with a mental health counselor.