Support Page Content
Student Services
Support Services
The Dreamer Resource Center (DRC) is a designated location for undocumented students, including those with and without DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), to seek assistance in navigating their undergraduate and/or graduate journey. We prioritize fostering a sense of community among first-generation, low-income, and immigrant students through services that may fit their specific needs. These services include but are NOT limited to:
- Lounge area including: couches, study desks, coffee & tea station
- Financial Aid (CADAA & FAFSA) Renewals
- Academic Guidance
- Scholarship Assistance
- Peer Mentorship
- Career Development (Resume/Cover Letter Building, Career/Major Exploration, Interview Prep, etc.)
- Community Events and Workshops (Paint N’ Sip, Bracelet-Making, Credit Cards 101, etc.)
Programming
Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Dreamer Resource Center, River Front Center
The Dreamer Resource Center (DRC) Open House enables students and campus allies to learn about the resources and programming offered by the DRC and to meet the center’s staff. The event will also allow Sacramento State students, staff, faculty, and administrators to connect in an environment sensitive to the experiences of those impacted by undocumented status. Campus and community partners will also be on hand to share resources available to undocumented students and the immigrant community.
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Hinde Auditorium, University Union
In partnership with Capital Storytelling, Immigrant Stories is an event to amplify the voices of immigrants in Sacramento and celebrate National Immigrants Day. Listen to six Sac State community members as they tell their stories live on stage.
Date: TBD
Location: Carlsen Center, Library
The Undocu-Professionals panel will engage the students and other campus community members with diverse professionals who have succeeded in their fields. It will also showcase the benefits of pursuing higher education, regardless of immigration status. Attendees can network with professionals, gain professional resources, and participate in a Q&A after the panel.
Date: Friday, May 2, 2024 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Elderberry and Beatle Room, Riverview Hall
As undocumented students and students in mixed-status families made the dream of obtaining a college degree a reality, it is imperative to recognize their outstanding accomplishments. This recognition dinner will allow students to thank those who supported them and be recognized for overcoming unique challenges. Students and families will be recognized with DRC stoles and certificates.
Educational Initiatives
EDUC 199: 2-Unit Upper Division Elective Credit Course
Dreamer Experience Seminar is a two-unit course designed to help undocumented students, students from mixed-status families, and immigrant backgrounds navigate college. The course introduces students to the functions and resources of the university while building a space for students to explore the various aspects of their identities.
Keeping the Dream Alive Virtual Conference
Undocu allies must continue advancing the success of undocumented students and students from mixed-status families. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and emerging practices, the Annual Keeping the Dream Alive Conference enables educators, practitioners, and other professionals to become agents of change in their institutions. Check out our Annual Keeping the Dream Alive Conference Website.
College UndocuAlly Virtual Training
This brand-new virtual training is designed for staff, faculty, administrators, and employees working with undocumented and mixed-status students. It provides an overview of federal and state policies that affect these students daily and knowledge of the conditions they experience. The training also includes testimonies from undocumented students and interactive quizzes to ensure comprehension. It can be accessed through the DRC website.
Mental Health & Well-Being
Dream Connections
Wednesdays | 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Dreamer Resource Center (River Front Center 1)
Dream Connections is a social support group that provides a space for meaningful interaction and connection among undocumented students, students with mixed-status families, and allies at Sacramento State. The group meets weekly to explore various topics from undocumented or immigrant status perspectives. Sessions also include self-care activities and resources to alleviate stress and promote well-being. DRC staff members, Jenni Hernandez and Jenavi De Anda facilitate the sessions.
Peer Wellness Advocates │ Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness Services
Peer Wellness Advocates, or PWAs, are empathetic, supportive listeners who provide FREE, confidential, 1-on-1 (30 minutes) or group mental health support sessions to current Sac State students. PWAs are here to talk about anything and everything! Although they are not licensed mental health professionals, they are students trained in basic counseling skills, crisis de-escalation, and suicide prevention. PWAs also provide presentations/workshops on a variety of health and wellness topics. PWAs are available for in-person appointments at several cultural and academic resource centers on campus and virtual appointments. Students can make an appointment on their Patient Portal. Drop-in sessions are also welcome!
Free Immigration Legal Services
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Appointments can be booked via email at drc@csus.edu or by calling (916) 278-7734.
The Dreamer Resource Center (DRC) offers free immigration legal consultations and immigration services in partnership with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). This service is available to students, faculty, staff, and immediate family members. The immigration attorney can assist with general inquiries, DACA renewals, citizenship petitions, family-based petitions, and other immigration-related needs.
Hummingbird Closet
Pop up every 3rd week of the month | 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Dreamer Resource Center (River Front Center 1)
The Dreamer Resource Center (DRC) acknowledges students' intersecting identities, and it is essential for the community to have access to seasonal wear and professional clothing. The Hummingbird Closet is a free pop-up closet inside the Dreamer Resource Center and is available to the Hornet family. Gently used clothes, shoes, and miscellaneous items are available at every pop-up.
To donate, please contact the DRC drc@csus.edu.
Fellowships & Scholarships
Dream Leader Fellowship
The Dream Leaders Fellowship is a yearlong program (fall and spring) that promotes and fosters personal, academic, and professional development among undocumented students and students with mixed-status families at Sacramento State. Each semester, fellows will participate in a hands-on/experiential learning project of their choice, focused on one of five areas related to uplifting immigrant communities:
- civic engagement and advocacy
- college access and educational equity
- diversity, intersectionality, and inclusion
- arts and culture
- basic needs
Fellows also have the opportunity to serve as peer mentors for students served by the Dreamer Resource Center.
Compensation: Must complete 150 hours per semester to receive a payment of $2,250 each semester, totaling $4,500 for the academic year. Undocumented students without a ssn are eligible to apply!
Outreach Fellowship Program
Incoming first-year students and transfer students receive ongoing support through the admissions process as early as the start of their senior year and transferring semester through the Dreamer Resource Center’s Outreach Fellows. DRC fellows assist and follows up with students to ensure that they are taking the right steps towards college readiness through support with the following processes:
- Cal State Apply
- CA Dream Act Application/FAFSA
- University documents
Along with any other questions or concerns students may have along the way.
- Apply to be an Outreach Fellow through College Corps & request to be placed at the DRC. Undocumented students without a ssn are eligible to apply!
For outreach inquiries, please contact DRC Program Coordinator, Kimberly Gomez.
Dream Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)
The (DSIG) Program encourages California Dream Act Applicant (CADAA) students with a Cal Grant A award that met Cal Grant B eligibility or a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester). The grant will be available to the student for up to 8 semesters while they have an active Cal Grant A or B award. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and complete any necessary verification for their Cal Grant award.
- A DRC staff member will work with you to determine eligibility and place you at a site on-campus.
- Sac State DRC was top 3 in California for the 2023-24 academic year in DSIG placements.
Undocumented students without a ssn are eligible to apply! Contact the DRC to apply today, drc@csus.edu or (916) 278-7734.
Scholarships
- Apply for scholarships through Sacramento State
- Apply for external scholarships through Immigrants Rising
- Apply for external scholarships through a DRC staff member’s monthly search
Dreamer Resource Center Socials
Location: River Front Center 1031 A
The Dreamer Resource Center helps undocumented and mixed-status students build community and develop a sense of belonging. Community building at the DRC is designed to support this population's bond with one another in a social capacity. The DRC socials allow students to explore their creativity and identity. A short informational presentation on the importance of artwork, identity, and community will also be available at every social.
