Laney College's Restoring Our Communities (ROC) program was proudly represented at the California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting on March 25, 2025, in Sacramento. Roger Chung, co-coordinator of the program and Laney faculty member, joined ROC student Judah in delivering a powerful presentation about the impact of the program and the importance of supporting system-impacted students across the state.
During the presentation, Judah shared his personal journey of reentry and how ROC has supported his return to higher education. His testimony offered a moving and deeply human perspective on the barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to pursue college degrees. Roger Chung followed by highlighting the essential work being done at Laney College to provide comprehensive academic and emotional support for system-impacted students.
Restoring Our Communities (ROC) is a dedicated academic support program at Laney College that serves formerly incarcerated students. It is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to education and the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their past. ROC offers a stigma-free environment where students can study, receive mentorship, and build a sense of community with peers who share similar experiences.
The program provides assistance with college enrollment, financial aid applications, and transfer planning. ROC also offers peer mentoring and advising, creating social and academic support networks for students who are often the first in their families to attend college. By fostering a therapeutic learning community, ROC aims to reverse the effects of mass incarceration and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.
The success of ROC is made possible by a dedicated team. In addition to co-coordinators Roger Chung and Kimm Blackwell—who also serves as a program counselor—the program is supported by Program Specialists Elisa Leon and Vincent Garrett. Their ongoing commitment to student success ensures that ROC continues to be a source of guidance, encouragement, and empowerment for formerly incarcerated students.
Students who are formerly incarcerated and interested in returning to school are encouraged to visit the ROC program in the E Building, Room 203, where staff are available to guide them through the enrollment process and connect them with resources for success.
The presentation in Sacramento not only highlighted Laney College’s commitment to equity and inclusion but also served as a reminder of the transformative power of education.
