A student speaking

 

San Bernardino Valley College is connecting undocumented students to work experience through two programs: the Dare-to-Dream Fellowship and California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) program.

The Dare-to-Dream Fellowship awards participants a monthly stipend for up to 15 hours of work per week on campus. Through DSIG, students receive a stipend of up to $4,500 when they complete 100 hours of volunteer work with an approved organization, which includes SBVC. 

Jesus, an alumnus of the electronics program, learned about the Dare-to-Dream Fellowship at SBVC’s Dreamers Resource Center. It allowed the first-generation student to gain experience working on a project and learn how to navigate the higher education system. “I had what I needed, thanks to the fellowship,” he said. Although this is a challenging time for undocumented people, “I want to let people know there’s hope,” he added.

Through the fellowship, Itzel, a math and science student, was able to work at the Dreamers Resource Center and make connections. “You develop leadership and professional skills – it's also good for your own personal growth,” she said. This position gave her financial stability as well, allowing Saldaña to pay bills, buy a new laptop, and help her parents with groceries.