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    STREET SCHOLARS

    A RISING SCHOLARS PROGRAM

    Peer mentoring and student support for formerly incarcerated and systems-impacted students. Led by alumni who have walked the same path.

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    Quick Links

    Book Loan Form

    Borrow the textbooks you need for your courses.

    Refer an Adult Student

    Connect someone you know with our program.

    Refer a Juvenile Hall Student

    Help a young person begin their college journey.

    Program Links

    Merritt Links

    ABOUT THE PROGRAM

    Built with the students it serves. Led by alumni who have benefited from it.

    Street Scholars is Merritt College's peer-mentoring and student services support program, focused on the overall success of formerly incarcerated and systems-impacted students. Our one-on-one and group mentoring ensures students are understood and supported throughout their reentry and reintegration.

    Since 2012, Street Scholars have also served as guest lecturers and content experts on perception and implicit bias for the University of San Francisco's Master of Public Health and Nursing programs.

    Who is eligible?

    Students enrolled at Merritt College or any of the other three Peralta Colleges

    Students impacted by the justice system through their own police contact or a loved one's ongoing involvement

    Students facing challenges achieving long-term stability in their community

    There is no minimum length of justice involvement required to receive support.

    Talk with our team

    Contact Information

    Streetscholars@peralta.edu
    (510) 434-3700
    P Building, Room 112

    Office Hours
    M-Th: 10am - 6pm
    Friday: By appointment only

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    OUR FOUNDER

    Founded by the late COSER Professor Ron Moss, Street Scholars continues to advocate for people who have historically been disregarded.

    SERVICES

    Academic, personal, and career support

    Our peer-led services focus on the overall success of justice- and systems-impacted students.

    • 12-Step meetings
    • Academic tutoring
    • Assistance applying & transferring to a 4-year university
    • Clean & sober social events
    • Computer & internet access and printing
    • Connection to Underground Scholars, Project Rebout, and other university groups
    • Employment readiness workshops
    • Group & individual check-ins
    • Homework space
    • Hot food, snacks, and coffee
    • On-campus referrals to student services
    • Peer mentoring
    • Referrals to community-based organizations
    • School supplies
    • Support with record expungement
    • Academic tutoring
    • Computer & internet access and printing
    • Homework space
    • School supplies
    • 12-Step meetings
    • Clean & sober social events
    • Connection to Underground Scholars, Project Rebout, and other university groups
    • Group & individual check-ins
    • Peer mentoring
    • Hot food, snacks, and coffee
    • On-campus referrals to student services
    • Referrals to community-based organizations
    • Support with record expungement
    • 12-Step meetings
    • Academic tutoring
    • Assistance applying & transferring to a 4-year university
    • Clean & sober social events
    • Computer & internet access and printing
    • Connection to Underground Scholars, Project Rebout, and other university groups
    • Employment readiness workshops
    • Group & individual check-ins
    • Homework space
    • Hot food, snacks, and coffee
    • On-campus referrals to student services
    • Peer mentoring
    • Referrals to community-based organizations
    • School supplies
    • Support with record expungement
    EMERGENCY NEED GRANT

    Check your eligibility

    See which statement(s) apply to you. All four criteria are reviewed before a grant can be approved.

    Unsure about a criterion? Our team can help you review your eligibility.

    1) Enrollment

    I am currently enrolled at Merritt College, and Merritt is my home campus in Peralta records

    2) Program Participation

    I am an active Street Scholars participant and have completed intake (if applicable)

    3) System-Impacted

    I am juvenile-justice impacted, or was formerly incarcerated as a juvenile

    4) Documentation

    I can provide at least one verifiable document of my hardship or emergency need

    Required documentation

    Provide at least one form of verifiable documentation. Acceptable examples include:

    Copies of unpait bills or account balances

    PG&E shutoff or disconnection notice

    Eviction notice or notice to vacate

    Notice of Action showing CalWORKs benefits reduced or discontinued

    Notice of Action showing CalFresh benefits reduced or discontinued

    Other documentation relevant to the emergency need

    Open the application
    OUR TEAM

    Faculty & peer mentors

    Reach out to any member of our team directly, or visit us in Room P-112.

     

    Biancca Parazo
    Biancca Parazo

    Program Director, Street Scholars Adult/Juvenile Program & COSER Faculty Lead

    mparazo@peralta.edu

    (341) 208-8070

    Schedule with Professor B
    Marlo Ornelas Oneill
    Marlo Ornelas Oneill

    Outreach and Transition Liaison & COSER Faculty

    mornelas@peralta.edu

    (510) 723-4229

    Danny Munoz
    Daniel Muñoz

    Student Services Specialist

    dmunoz@peralta.edu

    Peer Mentors

    Al-Pierre El
    Al-Pierre El

    (510) 467-9765

    Ruben Collins
    Ruben Collins

    (510) 434-3700

    Alan Epps
    Alan Epps

    (510) 372-4403

    Thida Uk
    Thida Uk

    (510) 434-3700

    Country Norton
    Country Norton

    (510) 434-3700

    OPPORTUNITIES

    Jobs, internships, and scholarships

    • On-Campus, Paid: SAS Notetakers – Receive a $100 campus store voucher. Include your course number and instructor in your message, for example "COSER 22 Instructor Parazo." Contact Soledad Leung: sleung@peralta.edu, (510) 436-2429

    • County of Alameda: Community Outreach Worker – Casework and community and educational outreach in health care, public safety or social services programs. View details and apply

    • Horizon Services: Youth Outpatient SUD Counselor I, II, or III – Bilingual position (Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Tagalog) delivering culturally competent services to diverse communities. View details and apply

    Coming Soon

    Check back for new postings or contact our team to discuss your career interests.

    Coming Soon

    In the meantime, explore scholarships open to all Peralta students through the Peralta Colleges Foundation.

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    Start Today

    Becoming a student at Merritt College is easy. Use the link below to take the first step. Need help? Visit the Welcome Center.

    Get Started