The California Community Colleges Dreamers Project report provided a landscape analysis that discusses the state of undocumented students at California Community Colleges. The survey and regional meetings findings showed that there are six main categories of challenges related to colleges serving undocumented students, including:
- Inadequate ability to outreach to documented students and protect student data
- Insufficient institutional support/campus-wide trainings
- Need for dedicated stakeholders, staff, and space at each campus
- Need for better access to financial support
- Need for increased student engagement and direct services to increase student retention
- Need for definitive guidance from the Chancellor's Office
As such, the report has served as a road map to help bridge the equity gaps that were identified and guide subsequent work to support this vulnerable population. Following the release of the Dreamers Project, Vice-Chancellor Daisy Gonzales secured funding to create a learning module for the Vision Resource Center that directly addressed recommendations two and six.
Through the Dreamers Project, educators and students overwhelmingly identified the need for access to free or low cost reputable legal service providers. Through a partnership with the Department of Social Services, the Foundation and the Chancellor’s Office are directly addressing that recommendation by partnering with nine trusted legal service organization with 65 host colleges serving ALL students across the state.
Given the rhetoric at the national level surrounding immigration, we know now more than ever that we must continue to uphold California’s values and offer clear pathways and resources for undocumented students to attain their educational goals. It is imperative that our students know that our campuses remain accessible and open to serving all students equally regardless of their immigration status.