2023 Undocumented Student Action Week

 

About the Week

The California Community College (CCC) system enrolls the largest population of undocumented students of any segment of public higher education. When undocumented immigrants can pursue their career and professional goals free of institutional barriers and discrimination, they are able to reach their educational goals. To advance best practices for supporting undocumented student success, promote ways to collaborate across sectors, and advocate for budget and legislative action in support of the long-term success of undocumented students, the CCC hosts an annual Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) every third week of October alongside the Community College League of California (League), and the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC).

USAW began in 2016 in response to the threat of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program and the emerging antagonistic views towards immigrants by the previous federal administration. The effort has now become a permanent celebration to build greater awareness of and support for policies that support undocumented student success. Through these conversations, we are able to share real life examples of stories where policies are positively shaping the lives of our undocumented students and express our continued solidarity. Previous major accomplishments include securing funding for Dream Resource Centers and UndocuLiaisions, establishing the Immigration Legal Services Project which now provides free legal services to all undocumented CCC students and employees, expanding AB 540 eligibility and so much more.

At Cañada College, we have been able to plan events throughout the years with the support of the Dreamers Club, DREAMers Task Force, and the Undocumented Community Centers at College of San Mateo and Skyline College. In previous years at Cañada College, we have been joined by a variety of notable speakers, such as Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca, Favianna Rodriguez, and Yosimar Reyes. We have been able to design and paint our own art project, paint butterflies that now decorate our new Undocumented Community Center, and host many informational and resource-focused events for students.

Nonetheless, the work to support undocumented students and remove barriers to their success extends beyond USAW. If you are interested in staying connected, information to connect with staff at all three of our college’s Undocumented Community Centers is found below.

Get involved and learn more about our Undocumented Community Centers (UCC)!