Rising Scholars Student Success Stories
Charlie Nguyen
Charlie completed both his high school diploma and AA degrees in Sociology and Psychology
while in Juvenile Hall, demonstrating exceptional determination and focus. He received a furlough to attend his commencement
ceremony in Spring 2024, celebrating his achievements alongside his peers. Charlie
is now attending UC Berkeley majoring in Sociology, with a goal of becoming a lawyer
and advocate for others who have faced similar journeys.
Raymond Sanchez
Raymond was the first Rising Scholars (formerly Project RISE) student to transfer to Cal State Fullerton, completing all his transfer requirements at SCC. He graduated with a degree in Human Services with a concentration in Mental Health, joined Project Rebound, and is now pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) at CSU Long Beach. Raymond has been part of Project Kinship since November 2014 and now serves as the Director of Navigation and Outreach, supporting system-impacted individuals with compassion and leadership.
Shyamali Perera
Shyamali completed a double major through Rising Scholars (formerly known as Project RISE), earning AA degrees in Liberal Arts: Arts, Humanities & Communication and Liberal Arts: Social & Behavioral Sciences. She graduated with her B.A. in English and a minor in Creative Writing from CSU Fullerton, where she was also an active member of Project Rebound. Shyamali has been awarded both the Mellon Mays Fellowship and the Sally Casanova Scholarship, supporting her pathway toward an Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership at UNC Chapel Hill.
Milo Parker
Milo, a Communications major, graduated in Spring 2025 and first heard about Project RISE in 2020 through an acquaintance who encouraged him to get connected. He became a 2024 scholarship recipient and student speaker, and later a 2025 scholarship recipient, showcasing his dedication and growth through Rising Scholars. Milo is transferring to CSU Fullerton as a Sociology major, with goals to enter the coding and technology field and develop strong technical and leadership skills.
Rachel Seifert
Rachel is a double major graduate, earning AA degrees in Liberal Arts: Arts, Humanities
& Communication and Liberal Arts: Social & Behavioral Sciences, and she graduated
in Spring 2024. She was a 2024 scholarship award winner, recognized for her commitment
and academic excellence through Rising Scholars. Rachel is now attending CSU Fullerton,
where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services while she is interning
with Dare2Dream at Project Rebound helping Juvenile Justice students.
Marcus Quinones
Marcus served 27.5 years in prison, beginning at the age of 16, and later connected with our Rising Scholars (formerly Project RISE) team. After attending one of our presentations, he learned about the Adult High School Diploma Program and chose to enroll. Marcus successfully completed his high school diploma and now plans to pursue a career as a Substance Abuse Counselor, using his journey to support others.