CSULB Project Rebound

Project Rebound is a California State University program established by John Irwin at San Francisco State University in 1967. Project Rebound assists formerly incarcerated individuals as they work to transform their lives through higher education. In keeping with the spirit of Dr. Irwin’s vision, Project Rebound recruits and supports formerly incarcerated individuals seeking to advance their education at CSU Long Beach.  We seek to admit students who are motivated to succeed in a field of study that leads to a Baccalaureate/Master’s Degree.  To that end, we help prospective students who might not normally qualify for university acceptance due to application deadlines, minor academic deficiencies, and/or impacted program status. By offering resources and connections with supportive campus and community entities, Project Rebound at CSU Long Beach strives to secure students’ basic needs, so that they can concentrate on gaining expertise in their field of study and achieving their educational goals.

Foster a college-going culture within our community and build recruitment pathways for currently and formerly incarcerated people.
  • Conduct off-campus and on-campus outreach efforts, recruitment, and informational sessions.
  • Respond in a timely manner to all correspondence.
  • Assist and guide potential applicants regarding admissions requirements and processes.
Help prospective students prepare, apply, and matriculate. 
  • Conduct initial college assessment and provide detailed feedback to guide prospective students in their academic planning.
  • Help prospective students develop an admissions plan.
  • Help prospective students apply for admissions.
  • Support prospective students on how to apply for financial aid.
  • Provide prospective students with resources to complete the steps needed to enroll.
Support enrolled students to stay on track and graduate. 
  • Require and support students to obtain appropriate academic advising.
  • Help students register for courses and navigate campus technology, such as course management systems and student portal.
  • Empower students to develop study skills and other “soft” skills needed to succeed.
  • Provide connections to re-entry service providers (i.e., expungement, Cal Fresh, DOR, etc.).
  • Provide direct financial support to assist with critical basic needs such as books, school supplies, transportation, meals, application and test fees, based on available resources.
  • Maintain an environment that cultivates an inclusive community and a sense of belonging among students.
Support enrolled students to participate in student life, leadership, service, and civic engagement.
  • Advise students to create and maintain an active student organization.
  • Cultivate supportive relations and advocate with local, state, and federal elected officials.
  • Encourage our students to establish relationships on campus and advocate with student government.
  • Encourage and reward student community service.
Establish and foster empowering networks among Project Rebound alumni and students. 
  • Build and maintain a Project Rebound alumni association.
  • Host or foster events that bring Project Rebound and existing Project Rebound students together.
  • Leverage Project Rebound alumni success to create opportunities for other Project Rebound alumni and students (e.g., internships, jobs).
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