As the former communications coordinator for the UC Irvine Underground Scholars Program and current project specialist for Rising Scholars at Irvine Valley College, [2024 UC Irvine graduate Shawn] Khalifa helps students who are currently or formerly incarcerated as well as those impacted by the incarceration of a family member. “The colleges have really been receptive to learning from my lived experience,” he says. “Every kid deserves a chance to go to college. I just want to make a positive impact.”

For the full story, please visit https://orangecoast.com/feature/from-incarceration-to-graduation-khalifas-journey-of-redemption-and-impact.