Correction: The Justice Scholars recently became an institutionalized program, not an official department at Long Beach City College.
For three years now, the Justice Scholars at Long Beach City College have supported formerly incarcerated students to transition back into college as smoothly as possible.
Once a club at the college, the Justice Scholars recently became an institutionalized program at LBCC.
For Justice Scholars Advisor Annahita Mahdavi, the student association is all about giving opportunities and opening doors to an underserved population.
Having been a refugee from a very young age and then working within the adult and juvenile justice systems, Mahdavi’s life experiences with the fight for freedom, social justice, and equity served as the catalyst that would begin the Justice Scholars.
Services available include assistance navigating the college system, including financial aid service, academic advisory and registration.
Additional services include job skills and assistance with legal matters such as expungement, which is to set aside one’s criminal convictions, which may help with finding employment.
“I don’t want to take credit for this. This wouldn’t happen without the students,” Mahdavi said.
“It’s the students that started wanting to make changes.”
Since the club’s start in 2016, the Justice Scholars have been leaders in not only enrollment for the club but also in its retention.
According to club senate member Denise Walker, the Justice Scholar club needs special attention because of how much the club offers for formerly incarcerated students.
Much of the retention at the Justice Scholars has to do with the club’s president, Anthony Yracheta.
This semester will be Yracheta’s second semester in the president position as he looks to keep the success he has formerly had with the club.
“We welcome anyone who wants to join with open arms and let them know that they are apart of our family here on campus,” Yracheta said.
“I always put myself out there and let people know that I’m here and happy to help them out in anyway I can.”
In an effort to replicate the club’s efforts on a larger scale, Justice Scholars is looking forward to a grand opening of the Justice Scholars Center this semester.
“We are here to support them, they can feel safe here, and their identities will be confidential. They will find a home here with us,” Mahdavi said.