Rising Scholars Program
The Cuyamaca Rising Scholars Program provides college support services for students who are justice-involved, formerly incarcerated, on probation, or who have parole supervision.
How We Can Help:
- Mentorship
- Rising Scholars Virtual Community Group 1st Tuesday of every month, 3:30pm to 4:30pm
- Priority Registration
- Enrollment Support
- Laptop and hotspot rentals for the semester
- Tutoring- Request a Tutoring Appointment
- Transfer Guidance
- Referrals to campus support services and community resources
- Specialized Counseling
- Career Exploration
- Job Readiness
Students make a program commitment to meet with the Rising Scholar peer mentor and/or Counselor twice a semester to receive services.
Ways to Meet with Rising Scholars Program:
1st Tuesday of every month Rising Scholars Virtual Community Group Check-ins, email Octavio for Zoom link.
Call Counseling Center at (619)660-4429 to make an appointment with Octavio, Christopher, or Joel. Their availability is listed below.
Fall 2025 Hours
Octavio Leal (Program Coordinator, Counselor)
Available in Counseling office, G-200
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Format |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM | In person or Zoom |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM | 2:30 PM | Zoom Only |
Joel Gomez (Rising Scholar Mentor)
Available in Counseling office, G-200
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Format |
| Monday | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM | In Person |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM | In Person |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM | 4:00 PM | In Person |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM | 4:00 PM | In Person |
| Friday | 9:00 AM | 1:00 PM | In Person |
Christopher Torres (Counselor)
Schedule an Appointment for Education Planning, Financial Aid Appeals, and Consortium AgreementsAvailable in Counseling office, G-200
|
Day |
Start Time | End Time | Format |
| Tuesday | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM | In Person or Zoom |
| Wednesday | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM | In Person or Zoom |
| Select Fridays | 9:00 AM | 2:00 PM | In Person or Zoom |
Our Mission:
Breaking the cycle of incarceration through education and community.
Other Resources:
Contact Information:
|
Octavio Leal Program Coordinator Contact: Octavio.Leal@gcccd.edu |
|
For Educational Planning Assistance Christopher Torres Assistant Professor, Counselor Schedule an Appointment for Education Planning Contact: Christopher.Torres@gcccd.edu |
|
Joel Gomez Rising Scholars Mentor Contact: joel486gomez@gmail.com |