AB 540 Conference: Students & College Graduates Track
10 – 11 a.m. PT | Opening Session
Honoring the Organizing that Made AB 540 Possible! Looking Back & Moving Forward
AUDIENCE: ALL participants
Join us in honoring the powerful organizing that took place to open access for undocumented students in higher education. Hear directly from organizers and advocates whose combined forces were instrumental in passing this historic bill! You will also learn about a current AB 540/SB 68 student’s experiences and continued advocacy for equitable implementation for all.
Outcomes:
- Honor advocacy that made AB 540 possible
- Celebrate AB 540’s positive impact on student’s lives
- Highlight current gaps & call for equitable implementation
Presenters:
- Maria E Barrera, Former CHIRLA Advocate & Acupuncturist
- Alfred R. Herrera, Center for Community College Partnership Assistant Dean for Academic Partnerships and Director, UCLA
- Irma Archuleta, Leticia A. Network
- Maria Blanco, Executive Director, UC Immigrant Legal Services Center
- Marithza Quiroz, Master Student, Stanford University
Moderator:
- Nancy Jodaitis, Director of Higher Education, Immigrants Rising
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT Session
Our Narratives in Pursuit of Higher Education
AUDIENCE: Students, College Graduates, Counselors, Undocumented Student Support Personnel, Dream Resource Centers, High School, Noncredit & Adult School
Being an undocumented student in this country can become a real challenge when you aspire to pursue higher education. However, it does not define you or your dreams. In this workshop, you will hear stories from undocumented students who have benefited from AB 540 and those who have been excluded from eligibility. You will learn how they are achieving their educational dreams regardless of their immigration status.
Outcomes:
- Learn there are no limits when you really want to pursue your dreams.
- Realize that the best way to be successful is through education because knowledge is power.
- Understand that it does not matter where you come from, the most important thing is where you want to go!
Presenters:
- Augustine Emenalo, Student at LA Southwest College
- Jose Entrekin, Student at UC Berkeley
- Siyue (Lena) Wang, PhD Student at UCLA
- Wladimir Mendoza, Student at Fullerton College
Moderator:
- Irma Andazola, Student at North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE)
#HereForYou: Mental Health Awareness
AUDIENCE: Students & College Graduates
In this workshop, we are looking forward to connecting people with “real tools” to “unpack” the mental health crisis. You will learn about a resource that connects you with qualified therapists, each of whom will help you access your strengths and resilience in order to achieve your personal goals and healing. We are here for you.
Outcomes:
- Learn about Immigrant Rising resources that support undocumented young people.
- Have access to the help that exists to serve undocumented students
- Break common assumptions about mental health
Presenters:
- Rasleen Saran, Student at Mount Saint Mary’s College
- Rocio Preciado, Leadership and Partners Manager at Immigrants Rising
Moderator:
- Anavi Tiwari, Student at San Jose State University
12 – 1 p.m. PT Session
Exploring Your Options After College Graduation As An Undocumented Student
AUDIENCE: Students & College Graduates
Undocumented students have limited education and career options after college/university graduation. This workshop will prepare you with the mindset and opportunities to start your education/career plan after graduation. High school and college students are welcome to join and explore options beyond an undergraduate degree.
Outcomes:
- Develop a successful mindset despite your immigration status.
- Be aware of the options available for undocumented students after college graduation and how to explore them.
- Learn how to create your action plan to kickstart your post-undergrad educational and career goals.
Presenters: Coming Soon!
Moderator:
- Khang Le, Graduate of San Jose State University
Loneliness as an Undocumented Student: Find Your Community
AUDIENCE: Students & College Graduates
As a first-year student, one of the first things many look for is community. This presentation will cover the clubs and spaces available for undocumented students at major universities. Learn what to expect from each club and connect with a couple of their representatives! The last 10 minutes of this presentation will be reserved for open dialogue.
Outcomes:
- Be aware of the clubs designed to provide a safe space for undocumented students
- Meet other undocumented college students (prospective and current students)
- Learn what to do in the case that your university is destitute of resources/clubs for undocumented students
Presenters:
- Laura Bohorquez Garcia, Director of AB 540 and Undocumented Student Center, UC Davis
Moderator:
- Sherifa Momoh, Student at Long Beach City College
1 – 2 p.m. PT Session
Building Bridges: Systemic Solutions to Supporting Undocumented Students
AUDIENCE: ALL participants
Join this historic meeting of the chancellors and presidents of all four California higher education systems! They will be elevating system solutions that have been build to date as well as discussing their role in ensuring campuses meet the needs of undocumented students.
This workshop is part of the systemwide webinar series for the 5th Annual Undocumented Student Action Week, sponsored by the California Community Colleges and its partners.
Outcomes:
- Celebrate the successes within higher education systems built since the passage of AB 540!
- Understand the current barriers our higher educational systems inadvertently create for undocumented students
- Be aware of the commitment each system will undertake to resolve key discrepancies in the implementation of AB 540/SB 68
Presenters:
- Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Acting Chancellor, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
- Dr. Joseph I. Castro, Chancellor, California State University
- Dr. Michael Drake, President, University of California
- Kristen Soares, President, Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
- Katharine Gin, Executive Director, Immigrants Rising
Moderator:
- Linda Vasquez, CCCCO, Vice-Chancellor of Governmental Relations
Engaging with Higher Education Public Policy and How to Advocate for the Next AB 540!
AUDIENCE: Students & College Graduates
AB 540 has paved the way for undocumented student success in higher education, however, what will be the next big change? In this workshop, by observing the state legislative process you will learn the basics of engaging with student advocacy, and to utilize your voice to tell your story to create or support the next big change for undocumented students!
Outcomes:
- Learn about how to engage with the state legislative process.
- Zero in on in higher education issues pertaining to undocumented students in the public and independent sectors.
- Understand the power of telling your story to advocate for a cause.
Presenters: Coming Soon!
Moderator:
- Jesus Gomez, Student at Fresno Pacific University
Understanding & Navigating AB 540
AUDIENCE: Students & College Graduates
Financing higher education can be overwhelming for undocumented students in California. Learn about AB 540/SB 68 and how it has allowed qualifying individuals to pursue their educational goals. Connect with other undocumented individuals, while running an application simulation! We’ll go step-by-step: Knowing if we qualify; “Filling out” the AB 540 exemption form; Necessary documentation; and beyond.
Outcomes:
- Understand the AB 540/SB 68 requirements, application process, and benefits
- Learn about resources to support students’ pursuit of higher education including AB 540 and CA Dream Act
- Connect with other undocumented individuals pursuing higher education
Presenters: Coming Soon!
Moderator:
- Mayra Tejeda, Student at UC Davis