The California Dream Act application deadline is fast approaching but LBCC is prepared to help undocumented students apply in a brand new DREAM services center where they can also receive peer support, scholarship resources, and AB 540 Affidavit services.
The deadline to apply for the California Dream Act is March 2.
Located in building A at LAC and building AA at PCC, each welcome center now has a dedicated space for DREAM services that provide aid to undocumented students, otherwise known as ‘dreamers’.
LBCC is one of 32 California college campuses to receive funding through the catalyst grant which provides up to $125,000 and technical support to chosen campuses.
Counselor Jose Gutierrez explained during a DREAM Services workshop at PCC.
“One of the benefits of having received the catalyst grant is that the initiatives circle around supporting undocumented students,” Gutierrez said.
With the grant, Gutierrez has been able to hire three new support staff and create spaces with resources that dreamers are able to receive help from.
“Our center is open to new students, current students and even students who have already transferred, to serve as an essential space for them to come in and get the support that they need,” Gutierrez said.
Along with their high school or college transcripts, dreamers enrolling in college have a few more steps to go through, including an Affidavit, residence questionnaire and the California Dream Act form which serves as financial aid for dreamers.
“It’s important to recognize that the challenges vary with each case,” said Student Success Coach Giovanni Bautista.
Though the Dream Act has yet to be passed federally, California became one of 15 states with their own version of the legislation when Governor Jerry Brown signed the California Dream Act in 2011.
According to Gutierrez, LBCC is home to about 1,000 undocumented students between the two campuses.
“The most marginalized students are those without resources,” said Johnathan Solorzano during the DREAM services workshop.
“We want to minimize the back and forth,” said Gutierrez, “the premise is to support students.”
Students looking for support or aid with any of their documents may head to the Welcome Center on either LBCC campus.