MSJC | Contributed
Undocumented Student Action Week, aimed at building greater awareness of and support for policies bolstering undocumented student success, returns to Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) with workshops, webinars, films, discussions and more beginning Monday, October 16.
MSJC is celebrating its 7th annual Undocumented Student Action Week as part of a joint effort originally led by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the Community College League of California to support and empower students such as Daisy Torres, who was brought to this country as a 6-year-old from Honduras.
“I am a highly ambitious woman with big dreams for my future,” said the MSJC Business administration major. “I am working towards transferring and obtaining my bachelor’s degree and plan to work for a financial firm or cooperation. I am passionate about inspiring others like myself to pursue their dreams and goals, to not let their status define who they are.”
MSJC seeks to achieve diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility throughout the institution and works to remove barriers to higher education. MSJC supports undocumented students so they feel welcome, can complete their educational journeys, and land jobs that lead to financial stability.
The President’s Alliance on Higher Education and American Immigration Council estimates there are more than 408,000 undocumented college students nationwide, with Immigrants Rising placing the number at up to 70,000 in California. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program recipients alone, many of whom are working, supporting their families while excelling at California’s community colleges, will contribute more than $460 billion to the U.S. economy this decade, according to the Center for American Progress.
Following are details about MSJC events, all of which are being held either virtually or at the San Jacinto Campus, 1499 N. State Street.
• Monday, October 16: Hear My Story. Hear from members of the UndocuCommunity at MSJC as they share their stories in this virtual presentation. Visit the Hear My Story webpage via this link (https://www.msjc.edu/undocudreamers/story).
• Monday, October 16: Yosimar Reyes Talk & Student Reception. From 1 to 2 p.m. at the San Jacinto Campus. Yosimar Reyes is a nationally-acclaimed Poet and Public Speaker. Born in Guerrero, Mexico, and raised in Eastside San Jose, Reyes explores the themes of migration and sexuality in his work. The talk will be held in the Library; a reception will follow at 2 p.m. in Room A200.
• Monday, October 16: Opening Celebration. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the San Jacinto Campus Quad. Food, live music, and an introduction to the Hear My Story virtual exhibition.
• Tuesday, October 17: Film Screening and Discussion – A Million Miles Away. A biopic about Jose Hernandez and his path from a farm worker to becoming an engineer and an astronaut. In person at the San Jacinto Campus, Room A200 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 17: UndocuAdvocate Workshop. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the San Jacinto Campus, Room A200. This event is designed for campus administrators, faculty, and professional staff. Registration is required as space is limited.
• Wednesday, October 18: Healing Space with Mayra Barragan. From 5 to 7 p.m. at the San Jacinto Campus, Room A200. A healing space workshop led by mental health professional Mayra Barragan.
• Thursday, October 19: UndocuMixer. San Jacinto Campus, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A professional networking opportunity for students, faculty, and professional staff.
• Friday, October 20: Family Night & Loteria. San Jacinto Campus, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. An honest, UndocuCulture-centered presentation with immigrant families to address common fears and anxieties.
Students and the general public also are invited to visit a Dulce Ibarra Art Exhibit at the San Jacinto Campus Gallery. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Statewide events include an October 17 Zoom webinar from 5:30 to 7 p.m. sponsored by the I Can Go to College (I CAN) campaign and titled Students Striving and Thriving, which will detail educational opportunities provided by the California Community Colleges for undocumented students and their families. Registration is now open. Additional webinars will be taking place daily throughout the week. Information and registration are available online.
For further information about MSJC events, please email [email protected], or visit the college’s Undocumented Student Action Week website.
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