In recognition and support of this statewide effort, Columbia College and the Columbia College Foundation affirms that we strive to make Columbia College a welcoming and supportive place for all students to achieve their educational goals.
In this week, we are highlighting the following services to support undocumented students in our community. Did you know?
- The Columbia College Promise — providing two years of tuition free attendance for recent high school graduates — is available to California Dream Act students. This pilot program to date has assisted more than 570 local high school seniors to transition directly into college upon graduation, and has always been open to students using the Dream Act. We encourage all eligible students to access this pathway to a more secure future in our community. Learn more here: Columbia College Promise
- California Dream Act students can apply for local scholarship support through the Columbia College Foundation and its community partners. We are currently working with interested donors to expand opportunities for undocumented student support. Learn more here: CCF Scholarships
- The Columbia College Financial Aid Office can assist undocumented students who want to learn more about state financial aid available to them. Learn more here: Columbia College Financial Aid or California Dream Act
”We help several Dreamers every semester, usually students who grew up in our community, and now are working toward careers in health care, science and more,” says Kirsten Frye, Dean of Student Services . “Often they are first-generation students, very motivated and hard-working, but unsure of their options. It’s so important to let these students know our community and our state have programs to support their education.”
“Community Colleges provide much needed access and social mobility to those who need the most”, said Dr. Santanu Bandyopadhyay. “I am delighted that Columbia College is addressing this much-needed void in our community”.
Learn more about Undocumented Student Action Week here: Supporting Undocumented Students – Community College League of Community Colleges.