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California Community Colleges Celebrates 7th Annual Undocumented Student Action Week with Advocacy, Education, and Support Beginning Oct. 16
The New Chancellor emphasizes dedication to the undocumented student population with this year’s theme: “Creating Belonging for Undocumented Students”
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Undocumented Student Week of Action (USAW) returns Oct. 16-20 with virtual and in-person workshops, webinars, and more activities as students, faculty, staff, and administrators mobilize to advocate for and support the needs of undocumented students.
This year’s theme, “Creating Belonging for Undocumented Students,” focuses on empowering colleges to create campus-wide awareness and support for undocumented students, ensuring they can access the information, services, resources, and assistance they need with comfort and without fear– whether that is talking with faculty in the classroom or with staff and administrators in the colleges’ various student services offices.
“Undocumented students are a core part of our colleges, and they make positive contributions to our communities and our state throughout the year,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “Undocumented Student Action Week supports undocumented students and lets everyone know that our campuses will always remain safe, welcoming places for people from all backgrounds.”
The 7th annual Undocumented Student Action Week kicks off Oct. 16, when the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, Foundation for California Community Colleges, the Community College League of California, and dozens of statewide partners will host an all-day, in-person convening at Fresno City College titled “Creating Belonging for Undocumented Students.” Additionally, there will be daily webinars on topics related to advocacy, financial aid, and practitioner resources. More information and registration is available online.
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, the I Can Go to College (I CAN) campaign is holding a special Zoom webinar for students and their families. The webinar, titled “Students Striving and Thriving,” will detail educational opportunities and basic needs support available at the 116 California community colleges for undocumented students and their families. Registration is now open, and those who attend will have a chance to win prizes donated by iHeart Media valued at $100 – $2,000 to help with college costs.
Established in 2016 in response to political efforts to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), USAW has grown even more critical over the years in building support for immigrant students who are studying to improve their lives, success outcomes, and overall economic mobility. On Sept. 13, a federal judge in Texas ruled the DACA program – created by President Barack Obama in 2012 by executive action – was illegal. The federal government is appealing the decision and is likely moving up to the Supreme Court for ruling.
With the current uncertainty, the Chancellor’s Office, in partnership with statewide advocacy organizations, is working to ensure students have timely access to DACA resources and information. The Chancellor’s Office and our Board of Governors continue to engage with federal representatives to advocate for long-term policy solutions that will protect DACA recipients and provide a comprehensive pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. We encourage students to take advantage of free immigration legal services and make an appointment with a provider today. You can go to findyourally.com for more information.
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 1.9 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision 2030, a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates, and eliminate achievement gaps. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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