The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Jail Programs Unit recently hosted an inaugural college fair at the Main Jail.

Sheriff’s Office staff, along with faculty and administrators from Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), set up information booths and talked with incarcerated individuals about the range of student services and programs available.

Four County Jail Inmates wearing royal blue jumpsuits talk with representatives from SBCC.
County jail inmates learn about student services and programs from SBCC representatives. Credit: Courtesy photo

“Women and men incarcerated in California state prisons and county jails encounter many barriers and obstacles to reentry,” said Noel Gomez, SBCC instructor and coordinator of the Rising Scholars Program. “However, having access to higher education in prison, county jails, and on college campuses can help facilitate successful reentry.

“Often, formerly incarcerated women and men hesitate to make that first visit to a community college campus and begin the enrollment process.

“During the college fair, staff and faculty were able to send a strong message to those in custody that the academic programs and student services at SBCC can foster and enable their success.

“More importantly, those currently incarcerated were able to feel welcomed at SBCC,” Gomez said.

Representatives from SBCC offered information on such programs as Basic Needs Center, DSPS, EOPS/CARE, CalWorks, Rising Scholars, Financial Aid, Non-Credit Programs, School of Extended Learning, Transfer Achievement Program, Transfer Center, Raíces: First Year and Beyond, Student Health Services, Ethnic Studies, Chemistry, Psychology, Mathematics, Administration of Justice, and Culinary Arts.