The Dream Success Center at Fresno State hosted “Dream Week” from March 17-21 for undocumented students providing support, resources and information. Throughout the week they held a variety of different events in assistance to students on campus.
On Monday the week kicked off with an opening session with presenters and advocacy support for undocumented students. On Tuesday a leadership development workshop was available for students to create a supportive community on campus.
On Wednesday there was a resource fair in the Fresno State Dining Hall to allow students to connect with organizations and learn about the available resources for immigrant rights and support.
Pajai Xiong, a volunteer that works with the Dream Success Center says she works closely with the coordinator, Diana Flores, to organize events and provide support to undocumented students.
“So this is just an opportunity for them to network and also connect with others out there,” Xiong said. “And it’s basically just for them, it’s a way for them to seek out that support and get that additional guidance.”
Amongst all the tensions and ongoing battles within immigration policies this is a great way for students to feel supported.
“This is our purpose,” Xiong said. “To serve students and to let you know that it’s okay, and that even though it is scary, you’re not alone and that we are here to support you and we want to do the best that we can do for you, especially in a time like this.”
The resource fair had many organizations ranging from United We Lead Foundation, Moreno Institute, Arte Américas, Central Valley Workers Center and more.
Arte Américas is a nonprofit cultural center founded in Fresno in 1987 by educators and artists.
Angelina Flores, a cultural arts fellow at Arte Américas, shares information about a scholarship opportunity called Transcending Borders: The Central Valley Writer’s Premio Literario, which is a collaboration between Arte Américas and The Central Valley Chicana and Chicano Writers Collective.
This opportunity is open to college students aged 18-24 with ties to the Central Valley, regardless of immigration status.
The scholarship requires submitting a 3,000-word creative writing piece reflecting the applicant’s stories that address real challenges within immigrant communities. The deadline is April 21, and winners will be notified by May 19. For more information visit Arte Américas.
In addition Flores shared why it was important for her to be at the resource fair.
“It’s important to reach out to the community, and to make sure that students in the valley, in the place that we’re serving, have access to scholarships that are based on their experience,” Flores said.
Earlier this year in January, immigration raids took place in Kern County. Officials called it “Operation Return to Sender.” Fear and anxiety grew in the Central Valley Community. Many protested and demanded a call to action. The resource fair that took place was one of many guidance resources for students on campus.
Dream Week continued having events including a “Know Your Rights” immigration workshop on Thursday, which provided specific information that will cover a person’s legal rights in various situations.
On Friday, an alumni panel took place, making it an opportunity for students to hear from successful graduates and learn about life after graduation.
To keep updated on future events like Dream Week, follow Fresno State’s Dream Center on Instagram @fresnostatedsc.
Correction: The individuals pictured are separate from the Chicano and Latin American Studies Department.
