By Allison Cooke
A growing population of undocumented students have found a safe haven at East Los Angeles College. ELAC is offering unprecedented support for its undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals students.The Dream Resource Center is a safe zone for undocumented prospective students.
Laura E. Ramirez, the new DRC Faculty Coordinator, and her staff are ready to assist undocumented prospective students.
There are several government programs to help undocumented students, ranging from Financial Aid to citizenship pathways.
The DRC collaborates with Central American Resource Center (CARCEN), a nonprofit providing free legal services to undocumented scholars at ELAC.
Ramirez and her team strongly encourage students to call the campus with questions without feeling fearful and get the information needed for citizenship and college enrollment.
CARCEN assists students with general consultations, DACA renewals and completing family based petitions and immigration related inquiries. The DRC is an advocate for undocumented students ensuring onboarding support.
ELAC’s holistic approach with undocumented students involves the family from the very beginning. Their holistic approach provides a nurturing environment.
They will also assist students with completing the Dream-Act Application. The Dream-Act Application is a requirement for undocumented students. The application will allow them to apply for Financial Aid.
According to Dr. Vanessa Ochoa, Dean of Student Services, some prospective undocumented students are hesitant to reach out because of their undocumented status.
For prospective students who do not speak English, the DRC offers Developmental Math, English and job readiness programs.
These courses are non-credit courses offered at no charge, and count toward the requirement for AB 540.
Under California law AB 540, certain nonresident students are exempt from paying nonresident supplemental tuition.
If granted an AB 540 exemption, students will be charged in-state tuition and fees, and not the supplemental tuition charged to nonresidents.
The noncredit courses are taken at a students own pace. All information is safe and secure. Another key benefit to the program is the family presentation. The DRC works in close collaboration with Admissions, Financial Aid and Noncredit.
The DRC takes into account the scholars families and/or caregivers when giving their presentations. This type of presentation helps to drive down the fear that some undocumented scholars feel as they transition to college life in the United States.
Additional resources include physical and mental health services, housing support and food banks. The program is set up in such a way that it makes the students feel safe, secure and supported.
Every prospective undocumented student can receive some help in a number of ways with lasting benefits.
What makes the DRC program elite are the staff members, who have real world understanding of the issues facing the undocumented student population based on years of experience.
For more information on enrollment, citizenship and scholarships students can contact the DRC directly either by phone at (213) 394-2897 or online at elac.edu. Once on the site enter DRC in the search bar, click the search box, from there tap on the desired information.
There are several government programs to help undocumented students, ranging from Financial Aid to citizenship pathways.
The DRC collaborates with Central American Resource Center (CARCEN), a nonprofit providing free legal services to undocumented scholars at ELAC.
Ramirez and her team strongly encourage students to call the campus with questions without feeling fearful and get the information needed for citizenship and college enrollment.
CARCEN assists students with general consultations, DACA renewals and completing family based petitions and immigration related inquiries. The DRC is an advocate for undocumented students ensuring onboarding support.
ELAC’s holistic approach with undocumented students involves the family from the very beginning. Their holistic approach provides a nurturing environment.
They will also assist students with completing the Dream-Act Application. The Dream-Act Application is a requirement for undocumented students. The application will allow them to apply for Financial Aid.
According to Dr. Vanessa Ochoa, Dean of Student Services, some prospective undocumented students are hesitant to reach out because of their undocumented status.
For prospective students who do not speak English, the DRC offers Developmental Math, English and job readiness programs.
These courses are non-credit courses offered at no charge, and count toward the requirement for AB 540.
Under California law AB 540, certain nonresident students are exempt from paying nonresident supplemental tuition.
If granted an AB 540 exemption, students will be charged in-state tuition and fees, and not the supplemental tuition charged to nonresidents.
The noncredit courses are taken at a students own pace. All information is safe and secure. Another key benefit to the program is the family presentation. The DRC works in close collaboration with Admissions, Financial Aid and Noncredit.
The DRC takes into account the scholars families and/or caregivers when giving their presentations. This type of presentation helps to drive down the fear that some undocumented scholars feel as they transition to college life in the United States.
Additional resources include physical and mental health services, housing support and food banks. The program is set up in such a way that it makes the students feel safe, secure and supported.
Every prospective undocumented student can receive some help in a number of ways with lasting benefits.
What makes the DRC program elite are the staff members, who have real world understanding of the issues facing the undocumented student population based on years of experience.
For more information on enrollment, citizenship and scholarships students can contact the DRC directly either by phone at (213) 394-2897 or online at elac.edu. Once on the site enter DRC in the search bar, click the search box, from there tap on the desired information.