First Convening of California Campus Catalyst Fund

 

On January 10th, over 200 students, educators, administrators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders gathered in Long Beach, California to engage in inspiring conversations about how California colleges and universities can best address the diverse needs of undocumented students and families at such a critically important time. Throughout the two-day convening, Immigrants Rising provided a total of 20 different workshops for educators and administrators, as well as leadership and personal development training for student attendees. We are excited to strengthen our work with Catalyst Fund partners in order to bolster support for all undocumented students and families throughout the state.

“It took a lot of courage for me to come here, but I’m here. I got so much information, my mind is about to explode. I want to go back home and help other immigrants like me understand that they’re not alone. There are people here for you. You have family here.” — Augustine Emenalo, student participant from LA Southwest College

“This convening did so much to elevate the UndocuJoy in this community—the beauty, resilience, and power. We have an opportunity to highlight students in our community who are hustling and doing amazing things! I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to make sure we serve the community in Oakland and help advocate at the statewide level as well.” —Tammeil Gilkerson, Laney College President
“It was an amazing convening. It opened my eyes to a whole other world. There was so much diversity: different cultures, different backgrounds, different colors. That’s my dream. I want to see that in our undocumented center.” —Marisol Montejano, student participant from Cal State San Bernardino 

POST-CONVENING SURVEY RESULTS

What is one word to describe your experience at the convening?*

*Size of the text based on frequency

How satisfied were you with the CA Catalyst Fund Convening?
How inspirational did you find the CA Catalyst Fund Convening?
Top five workshops/sessions attendees would like to bring to their campus in the next 12 months
Top five workshops/sessions attendees attendees feel are key for meeting their campus’ goals
  1. Entrepreneurship and the UndocuHustle
  2. Strength, Joy, and Beauty in the Undocumented Experience
  3. Providing Legal Services on Campus
  4. Creating successful Dream Resource Centers and Programs
  5. Increasing Financial Support and Access to In-State Tuition AND Delivering Powerful UndocuAlly Trainings
  1. Creating Successful Dream Resource Centers and Programs
  2. Providing Legal Services on Campus
  3. Increasing Financial Support and Access to In-State Tuition
  4. Strength, Joy, and Beauty in the Undocumented Experience
  5. Entrepreneurship and the UndocuHustle

83%

Feel connected with other campuses in the California Campus Catalyst Fund

90%

Have stronger sense of community for their campus team to meet their programmatic goals

90%

Understand the role of Immigrants Rising staff in this initiative

85%

Are aware of the resources available for their campus

90%

Feels inspired to be part of the Catalyst Fund initiative

88%

Realized that their campus could do more for the undocumented students

87%

Have interest in student advocacy and activism

92%

Feel more prepared to get involved in student advocacy and activism

 

About the California Campus Catalyst Fund

To date, the California Campus Catalyst Fund has raised nearly $12 million for this three-year initiative which was founded by educators, funders and advocates. The Fund increases support for undocumented students and their families on campuses representing the state’s three public higher education systems: California Community Colleges, California State University, and the University of California.

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Cris Mercado

Entrepreneur, Program Participant

"For undocumented people, it's rare to find either a person or an institution that validates your experiences and your achievements."