Oct. 18, 2018
At SMC, Messages of Hope for Undocumented Students
Part of California Community Colleges “Undocumented Student Week of Action” October 15-19
SANTA MONICA, CA—Santa Monica College (SMC) employees and students shared messages of hope for undocumented students at a small resource fair as part of the Undocumented Student Week of Action. The fair was held on the quad of the SMC main campus on Wednesday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On an exceptionally sunny October day, many stopped by to write personal messages of encouragement to undocumented students and families, while others sought information on SMC’s new Dream Program. The SMC Board of Trustees passed a resolution at their October 2 meeting, following a California Community Colleges Board of Governors resolution declaring October 15-19, 2018 the Undocumented Student Week of Action.
SMC joined the California Community Colleges in supporting undocumented students as part of a coalition of over 75 California community colleges and partner organizations taking part in the statewide student-led campaign seeking to advocate for a permanent solution to codify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that includes a pathway to citizenship for California’s undocumented students.
At SMC, the week features events including webinars, workshops to help students complete the California Dream Application, DACA Renewal Assistance Workshops, and more. To view the full list of events, visit smc.edu/DREAM. For more information on SMC’s Dream Program, please contact Nicholas Mata, Interim Dean of Students at (310) 434-4435 or Mata_Nicholas@smc.edu.
DREAM photos
SMC students Lillie and Kayla hold up signs that read “I am an Unafraid Ally Who Works with and Supports Undocumented Students and Families” at a resource fair during Undocumented Student Week of Action at Santa Monica College on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018.
Santa Monica College students write messages of hope to their peers who are undocumented to encourage and motivate them on their educational and life journeys.
Messages of hope written for undocumented students at the SMC main campus on Wednesday, October 17.
Esho, an SMC student, holds up a sign showing his support for undocumented students and their families on Wednesday, October 17.
Christina Fuller, student services specialist in SMC’s Dream Program, shares an informational brochure during a resources fair as part of Undocumented Student Week of Action on Wednesday, October 17 at the SMC main campus.
Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, SMC’s Superintendent/President, holds up a sign showing her support for undocumented students and their families on Wednesday, October 17.
About Santa Monica College
Founded in 1929, Santa Monica College is a California Community College accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). For 27 consecutive years, SMC has been California’s leader in transfers to UCLA, UC Berkeley, and other University of California campuses. The college also tops in transfers to the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University. More than 110 career training degrees and certificates at SMC offer professional preparation for students interested in directly entering the job market, transferring to a four-year school, or upgrading specific skills. SMC provides news and cultural enrichment through its NPR radio station KCRW (89.9 FM) and The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center as well as lifelong learning through distinctive programs such as its Emeritus Program for older adults.
# # # #