2023 Undocumented Student Action Week
Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) is week-long series of events happening from October 16 to October 20, 2023 that aim to celebrate and provide resources for undocumented students. The events being hosted at Cañada, College of San Mateo, and Skyline are open to all students, community members, and will be a mix of virtual, hybrid, and in person. USAW is part of a statewide effort led by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to advocate for undocumented students and create systems that will lead to their success.
2023 Events
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16
In person event
College of San Mateo, Multicultural Center Building 18, Room 112
Kick off the week with a panel of undocumented alumni from all three colleges and meet fellow students from across the district! Light refreshments will be provided.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 - College of San Mateo Day
Hybrid event
Zoom + College of San Mateo, Building 18, Room 110
Join a statewide California Community College presentation on best practices to cultivate belonging for undocumented students. Join virtually or drop by the Undocumented Community Center to watch and discuss the presentation with our center lead!
In person event
College of San Mateo, Building 17, The HUB
This event will aim to address the stigma of the undocumented experience at CSM & beyond while fostering solidarity & community empowerment through sharing knowledge & resources.
Hybrid event
Zoom + College of San Mateo, Building 18, Room 110
Training for anyone regardless of status to know what to do when confronted with police officers and/or ICE agents.
In person event
College of San Mateo, Building 18, Room 110
Explore the cultural & family dynamics that can impact mental health within undocumented communities.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 - Skyline College Day
In person event
Skyline College, Undocumented Community Center (Building 1, Room 219)
Join the Undocumented Community Center in a free, artistic space for students to express their stories using art as their vessel. Pieces created have a chance of becoming a sticker for the UCC, lunch will be provided to attendees.
In person event
Skyline College, Building 6, Room 203
Come hear the stories of Undocumented students who will be sharing their experiences in a panel discussion lead by students.
In person event
Skyline College, Undocumented Community Center (Building 1, Room 219)
Join the Undocumented community Center to watch the inspirational film, A million miles away. Snacks and light refreshments will be provided.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 - Cañada Day
Hybrid event
Zoom + Cañada College, Building 9, Room 115
Join a statewide California Community College presentation on best practices to cultivate belonging for undocumented students. Join virtually or drop by the Undocumented Community Center to watch and discuss the presentation with our center lead!
In person event
Cañada College, Undocumented Community Center (Building 9, Room 118)
Learn about services offered by the Undocumented Community Center and the Unlocking Futures Fellowship through a presentation and fun activities! Lunch will be provided.
Hybrid event
Zoom + Cañada College, Cultural Center (Building 17, Room 107)
Join an introductory training into supporting undocumented students at Cañada College. We will address challenges and stigmas faced by undocumented students and how to support them through resources and student empowerment.
In person event
Cañada College, FTLCL (Building 9, Room 154)
Watch and discuss a short documentary about the experiences of undocumented people in Texas. Food will be provided.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20
In person event
Santa Clara University
Attend on your own: https://forms.office.com/r/YvmrG6gmLg
Attend with the us (transportation provided): https://tinyurl.com/mryx3uj7
The Undocumented Community Centers at Skyline, Cañada, and CSM are taking students to Undocu Conference at Santa Clara University Friday, October 20th, 2023. This conference is aimed at Undocumented Community College students and will involve a variety of interactive and educational workshops.
About the Week
The California Community College (CCC) system enrolls the largest population of undocumented students of any segment of public higher education. When undocumented immigrants can pursue their career and professional goals free of institutional barriers and discrimination, they are able to reach their educational goals. To advance best practices for supporting undocumented student success, promote ways to collaborate across sectors, and advocate for budget and legislative action in support of the long-term success of undocumented students, the CCC hosts an annual Undocumented Student Action Week (USAW) every third week of October alongside the Community College League of California (League), and the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC).
USAW began in 2016 in response to the threat of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program and the emerging antagonistic views towards immigrants by the previous federal administration. The effort has now become a permanent celebration to build greater awareness of and support for policies that support undocumented student success. Through these conversations, we are able to share real life examples of stories where policies are positively shaping the lives of our undocumented students and express our continued solidarity. Previous major accomplishments include securing funding for Dream Resource Centers and UndocuLiaisions, establishing the Immigration Legal Services Project which now provides free legal services to all undocumented CCC students and employees, expanding AB 540 eligibility and so much more.
At Cañada College, we have been able to plan events throughout the years with the support of the Dreamers Club, DREAMers Task Force, and the Undocumented Community Centers at College of San Mateo and Skyline College. In previous years at Cañada College, we have been joined by a variety of notable speakers, such as Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca, Favianna Rodriguez, and Yosimar Reyes. We have been able to design and paint our own art project, paint butterflies that now decorate our new Undocumented Community Center, and host many informational and resource-focused events for students.
Nonetheless, the work to support undocumented students and remove barriers to their success extends beyond USAW. If you are interested in staying connected, information to connect with staff at all three of our college’s Undocumented Community Centers is found below.
Get involved and learn more about our Undocumented Community Centers (UCC)!
Nimsi Garcia (Program Services Coordinator)
Student Services - Vice President, Student Services
Paola Mora (Program Services Coordinator)
Equity - Undocumented Community Center
