Our Crowdfunding Groups
PROJECT REBOUND & THE POWER OF SECOND CHANCES
California has been at the forefront of an unprecedented expansion in college opportunities for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. Project Rebound is a critical part of this movement. Founded at San Francisco State University in 1967 by Professor John Irwin, Project Rebound provides formerly incarcerated students with academic guidance, mentorship, financial aid, leadership opportunities, and a social and professional network that can assist them from enrollment through graduation, and beyond.
Cal Poly Pomona established its own Project Rebound program in 2016, along with seven other campuses in the CSU. As of 2021, we are now on 14 campuses across the CSU system, with similar program models also found on UC and California Community college campuses.
In just the five years that the program has expanded beyond its original campus at SFSU, program enrollment has grown by 212%, and more than 115 Project Rebound students have earned undergraduate and graduate degrees. Our students have gone on to become social workers, engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers, and more. And this is only the beginning. Our hope is to be on all 23 CSU campuses one day, but also to inspire others to develop and invest in efforts that will continue to expand opportunities to currently and formerly incarcerated communities across the nation.
THE CAMPGAIN
This 2021 Bronco Launchpad effort is CPP Project Rebound's FIRST ever fundraising campaign!!
Funds are being raised to support a two-day conference focusing on the movement to create a "Prison-to-School Pipeline" in California. The Summer 2022 conference will bring together local Project Rebound campuses, community-based organizations, the formerly incarcerated community, and advocates to examine the history of California's efforts, practical insights from current programs working with justice-impacted individuals, and ideas for how to broaden and strengthen the movement even further. In addition to providing a networking opportunity for leaders in this space, the conference will allow the campus and the local community to learn about the critical role of higher education in addressing mass incarceration.
Help us realize our vision and donate to our campaign!!
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Check out what our students have to say about the impact of Project Rebound in their lives!
"Project Rebound means everything to me. It was the catalyst for my engagement with civic and educational activities, a shared experience with others who were system impacted, and a major emotional and financial support for my educational success.
- Betty, CPP Alumni (Sociology) & Current MPA Graduate Student
“It means the world to me. It has helped me make it through this difficult process knowing that even though we may be different from others, we still have the same goals and are able to make it in life.”
- Tuan, Business major & Computer Information Systems minor
“It means having a life through family that have experienced the same things I did.”
- Chrysanthus, CPP Alumni (Business) & Current MBA student
“Project Rebound for me means a second chance at life and education. Without Project Rebound, I wouldn’t have been able to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona as quickly as I did. All of the resources that Project Rebound provide are helping me to complete my educational goals.”
- Mark, Criminology major
“Project Rebound has opened more avenues so that I may live a productive life.”
- Peter, Business major
“Project Rebound is a fantastic support and inspires me daily to keep making positive choices to achieve my goals.”
- Andrea, Civil engineering major
“Project Rebound has assisted me with transitioning from community college to a four-year college by providing supplies, mentorship, scholarships, grants and group bonding events that support my goals and achievements, which helps me remain focused and motivated to continue my education.”
- Starla, CPP Alumni (Hospitality) & Current Graduate Student in Hospitality Management
“Project Rebound means being part of a program with individuals that have shared life experiences, and that because of those experiences they set an example of resiliency and perseverance through all adversity.”
- Ramon, History major
“What Project Rebound means to me is family. This is not just an on-campus program. I can reach out to my fellow Rebounders about pretty much anything - school, family, mental health, finances, resources, employment. And if they don't have the answer on hand...they'll help me figure it out!”
- Takisha, Organizational Communication major
“Keeps me accountable.”
- Michael, Hospitality Management major
Help us kick off our inaugural Launchpad event with $10, and get us on track to meeting our goal!
Your generous donation of $25 will cover the cost of conference registration for 1 student. We want this event to be accessible to all students, and your support can make that happen!
Your generous donation of $50 will cover the cost of conference registration for 1 community member. We want this event to be accessible to those beyond our CPP family, and your support can make that happen!
Your generous donation of $100 can cover conference costs for 4 students, or 2 two community members. Our event is designed to build awareness and bring people together, and your support can help us expand our reach! A $100 or more donation will also get you on our program as an Event Sponsor.
Your generous donation of $500 can cover conference costs for 20 students, or 10 community members. This level of support demonstrates that you are committed to supporting our vision, and the work of expanding higher education opportunities for the currently and formerly incarcerated. As a Project Rebound Champion, you will be listed on our conference program and be sent a special gift from our team.
