[an error occurred while processing this directive]

DACA Updates Discussed at Workshop Hosted by CEIS

Dreamers

In partnership with Undocumented Student Services, the College of Education and Integrative Studies recently held a workshop to learn more about supporting undocumented students at Cal Poly Pomona.

The workshop included information about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects individuals from deportation who were brought to the United States illegally as children, as well as financial and legal resources for DACA students.

Participating speakers included Mike Manalo-Pedro, coordinator of Undocumented Students Services and Cheryl Love, a Career Center counselor.

“This workshop was deemed a priority by CEIS faculty and staff. We want to know how best to serve those students for whom undocumented status affects them or their families. So many of our students fall into this category,” said CEIS Dean Jeff Passe.

According to Manalo-Pedro, despite the federal government’s attempt to terminate the program, DACA students can apply for renewal; however, new applications will not be accepted at this time.

“Providing institutional support to undocumented students is so important because all CPP students deserve an equitable chance at succeeding,” said Manalo-Pedro. “I want to thank Dean Passe for inviting us to share critical updates regarding the DACA program with CEIS faculty and staff.”

This month, Manalo-Pedro will host a Dreamers Ally Training and a free DACA Legal Clinic. The training will be held on October 17 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the International Center in Building 1 and the clinic will be held on October 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Bronco Dreamers Resource Center.

The Career Center has also developed a guide to help undocumented and DACA students find employment.

“The guide came out of challenges we were facing with Dreamers,” said Love. “If they’re DACA, they at least have a work permit so they can use that permit to find employment after they graduate, but if they’re undocumented they can’t find employment without papers. For many, it is very discouraging because they struggle to be able to use the skills they’ve developed in their degree programs. I don’t think it’s good for any student to leave here feeling like there is very little hope or opportunities for them.”

The guide provides resources to Dreamers including information on pursuing industry careers and applying to graduate school.

The workshop also featured information about the CPP Dream Scholarship.

“The Dream Scholarship provides additional financial support for undocumented students,” said Manalo-Pedro. “Since its inception, the scholarship has raised over $30,000. We’re always looking for new donors to help us fund scholarships for undocumented students.”

For more information about Undocumented Student Services at CPP, contact Mike Manalo-Pedro at mrpedro@cpp.edu.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]