DREAM RESOURCE CENTER LAUNCHES AT CITRUS COLLEGE
Did you know that Citrus College has a Dream Resource Center dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for undocumented students?
Established in January 2021, the center is staffed by UndocuLiaison Amayrani Ochoa Almeida, who supports students through various services and programming.
Some of the services offered at the center include individualized guidance and assistance related to financial aid, in-state tuition and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
The center can also promote and connect students to free legal services, including education and outreach activities, through the Community College Immigration Legal Services program. The services, which are also available to Citrus College faculty and staff, include legal consultations to screen for immigration relief, DACA renewals, family-based petitions and U.S. citizenship/naturalization applications.
Additionally, the Dream Resource Center offers an ally training for students and employees every fall and spring. Once completed, participants receive an "UndocuAlly" decal.
"The Dream Resource Center is an extraordinary addition to the list of support services that Citrus College offers to its students," said the college superintendent/president. "I am hopeful that students and staff will take advantage of the ally training, which will help foster a better understanding of the challenges that undocumented students face, as well as the ways in which we can offer support."
The Dream Resource Center will be located inside the Ross L. Handy Campus Center. During the campus closure, services are available virtually to students.
"Establishing a Dream Resource Center for undocumented students is a wish come true for many students and employees, who have already reached out about enrolling in classes as a result of this new program," said Dr. Maryann Tolano-Leveque, dean of students.
"Providing resources to support undocumented students is critical in promoting their sense of belonging, academic success and completion at the college. I feel privileged to be in a position to lead these efforts, and I am incredibly grateful to have an experienced advocate like Amayrani Ochoa coordinating the center's programs and services."
This article originally appeared in the April 2021 edition of the Citrus View.