E4FC Student Outreach Team
Project Managers: Jose Ivan Arreola, Osvaldo Cordero
Community Organization: Educators for Fair Consideration
Summit: Target 2020 California
Project Summary:
The top barrier preventing community college students from completing their education can be lack of financial support and access to a supportive community. These barriers are even greater for undocumented students because they are not eligible for any type of federal or state financial aid. Many undocumented students who get accepted into four-year universities end up attending community college because it is a more viable option given the financial restrictions. In addition, there is an enormous emotional burden that undocumented students must carry stemming from the fear of being caught and deported. There are not many groups or individuals on community college campuses, which create a safe-space for undocumented students.
E4FC will train undocumented community college students for the E4FC Outreach Team. The training will help them develop leadership skills and create a network of supportive, motivated college students throughout the Bay Area. The E4FC outreach team will then go into schools and organizations (including community colleges) to help educate students, parents, faculty and staff about challenges and opportunities for undocumented students. The community E4FC is building is not only important to the emotional well being of its students, but has a direct correlation to increased academic performance, civic engagement, transfer rates and internship/research opportunities.
Watch the E4FC Student Outreach Team’s one-minute video pitch:
