CORE provides support services to formerly incarcerated and system impacted students enrolling at Pasadena City College. CORE focuses on students’ reentry into their communities in order for them to succeed through the development of job skills, attaining Associates degree and/or certificate, and/or the ability to transfer to a four-year college or university.

The primary goal of CORE is to develop a holistic approach empowering students to succeed in higher education and beyond. The program focuses on building community, on and off campus, that will serve as social, emotional and academic support for our students.

Services Provided By CORE
  • Assistance with college enrollment and services
  • Guidance in applying for financial aid and scholarships
  • Academic tutoring
  • Student-peer mentorship
  • Transfer preparation
  • Expungement workshops
  • Access to community resources
  • Assistance with job readiness
Eligibility
  • Currently enrolled at PCC
  • Enrolled in at least three units
  • Identify as a student who has been affected by incarceration
Get Started


The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office awarded $5 million to 44 community colleges throughout the state to grow and establish on-campus community college programs for formerly incarcerated and system impacted students. Pasadena City College (PCC) was one of the 44 community colleges allocated $113,636, enabling our campus to develop and launch our program known as CORE (Community Overcoming Recidivism through Education).

Additionally, CORE has been awarded $178,000 from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. The term of this grant is July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.

Financial donations to our program are always welcome and appreciated.