El Camino College joined community colleges statewide from October 14-18 for Undocumented Student Week of Action to advocate and provide services for undocumented students. Recognizing that undocumented and "dreamer" students face unique struggles, ECC offers comprehensive resources designed to help this student population so they can successfully pursue higher education.
Students, staff, advocates and educators from across the South Bay participated in a week full of activities designed to support and build awareness of undocumented students. One highlight of the week was an UndocuAlly Training for high school counselors. This seminar drew about 70 counselors from nearly 20 area high schools to El Camino College to learn more about undocumented students' experience and to gain a better understanding of policies that impact college access. Information about legal and financial resources for undocumented students was also shared. The meeting followed a similar event this past spring, giving El Camino College the opportunity to reach a total of 140 counselors this year. By working with educators both in K-12 and higher education through events such as this, El Camino College has the opportunity to reinforce and expand its commitment to serving all students, at all levels of their academic journey, regardless of immigration status.
A "Dreamer's Luncheon" was also a great success, featuring guest speaker Manuel Cruz, a recent UCLA graduate and former ECC student, who shared his success story and challenges as he pursued his dreams of higher education. Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Cruz was raised in Lynwood where he helped support his family by working in construction, restaurants and warehouses. At UCLA, he served as coordinator for community college summer programs and assisted as a peer mentor. Manuel has a goal to become an immigration lawyer. Select El Camino College students were nominated to attend the luncheon; the appreciative crowd gave Cruz a standing ovation following his inspiring presentation. Additional activities included an Undocu-Entrepreneur Workshop, a screening of the film "Waking Dream," and a Student Undocu-Allyship Workshop where students learned how to support one another by creating a sense of community, while discovering how the college can best support their needs.
Many thanks to El Camino College advocates and allies Cynthia Mosqueda, Rene Lozano, Lizet Salazar, Lillian Justice, Jaime Gallegos, Rocio Diaz, Dipte Patel and Ruby Padilla, who helped plan activities for the successful Undocumented Student Week of Action.