UC students push for a place to get — and stay — sober on every campus

In August 2024 Cheech was featured in a CalMatters article highlighting his inspiring journey and impactful work.

As a Student Recovery Coordinator, Peter E. Haas Leader, Firebaugh Scholar, and founder of the Beyond Incarceration Greater Education Club (B.I.G.E.) at Allan Hancock Community College, Cheech is making remarkable strides in the community and beyond!

Johnny Smith and Cheech Raygoza, both UC Berkeley students, have overcome significant personal challenges, including incarceration and substance abuse, to pursue higher education. Their experiences have fueled their advocacy for the establishment of collegiate recovery programs across all University of California campuses. These programs aim to provide support and resources for students battling addiction, fostering a community of peers committed to sobriety and academic success.