Posted: October 26, 2018Written by: Lauren Milbourne

Tags: 2018, featured, press release

Cuesta College is creating DREAMer Centers to support undocumented students and their families after receiving $125,000 from the new California Campus Catalyst Fund. The college is one of 32 campuses throughout California that received support this school year from the grant.

“At Cuesta College, we fully support all student groups, including our DREAMers,” said Cuesta College Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services Dr. Mark Sanchez. “Everyone should have the support, resources, and environment they need to realize their full potential.”

According to Dr. Sanchez, the DREAMer Centers will open by January 2019 on both the San Luis Obispo and North County campuses. Although DREAMer students currently have access to support by visiting the Student Services Centers on both campuses; the Centers will offer a designated location for students to gather, feel safe, and supported.

"Cuesta College is an inclusive institution committed to creating a welcoming and supportive classroom and campus environment,” said Dr. Sanchez. “The college is committed to supporting all students as they work to achieve their dreams, and we honor their diverse background and perspectives.”

Financial aid and scholarships are also available to Cuesta College DREAMer students. Those experiencing food insecurity can take advantage of the college’s Food Pantry (located on the San Luis Obispo Campus in room 5305) or stop by a Neighborhood Food Bank Distribution site the third Tuesday of each month from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on the San Luis Obispo Campus in Parking Lot 3 and on the North County Campus in Parking Lot 10. 

The California Campus Catalyst Fund (the Catalyst Fund) is a three-year grantmaking initiative to expand support for undocumented students and their families across the state’s three public higher education systems: California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California. To date, the Fund has raised nearly $10 million dollars.

The California DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act is a package of California state laws that allow children who were brought into the U.S. under the age of 16 without proper visas/immigration documentation and who have attended school on a regular basis and otherwise meet in-state tuition and GPA requirements, to apply for student financial aid benefits.