“Advocating for Educational Rights”

What is AB540? Assembly Bill 540 Assembly Bill 540 Signed by Governor Gray Davis on October 12, 2001 Signed by Governor Gray Davis on October 12, 2001 Assembly Member Assembly Member Marco Antonio Firebaugh led effort for undocumented students –UC, CSU, & CCC –In-state CSU –$1, vs. $1, $ per unit (e.g., 12 units per semester cost $5, or $10, per year)

What are the requirements? Attend High School in California for 3 or more years Attend High School in California for 3 or more years Graduate from a California High School or attained the equivalent of a high school diploma Graduate from a California High School or attained the equivalent of a high school diploma Register or currently be enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education in California Register or currently be enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education in California File an affidavit as required by individual institutions, stating that you will apply for legal residency as soon as possible File an affidavit as required by individual institutions, stating that you will apply for legal residency as soon as possible You may not be a non-immigrant holding a valid lettered non-immigrant visa 5 You may not be a non-immigrant holding a valid lettered non-immigrant visa 5

for Undocumented Students Common Struggles for Undocumented Students No federal or state financial aid No federal or state financial aid Not eligible to receive most loans Not eligible to receive most loans Lack a Social Security Number Lack a Social Security Number Not eligible to obtain a California Drivers License Not eligible to obtain a California Drivers License Not eligible to officially participate in key programs (e.g. EOP,SSS, & Up Bound program & McNair) Not eligible to officially participate in key programs (e.g. EOP,SSS, & Up Bound program & McNair)

Espíritu’s History What is Espíritu de Nuestro Futuro? What is Espíritu de Nuestro Futuro?

When was it founded? Espíritu de Nuestro Futuro was Espíritu de Nuestro Futuro was founded on December 15, founded on December 15, During its first year, Espíritu was During its first year, Espíritu was successful in assisting six students successful in assisting six students access partial funding for their access partial funding for their tuition. Espíritu has organized many successful fundraisers.

Primary Goals Seek and secure funding for tuition scholarships Seek and secure funding for tuition scholarships Continue to grow networking base to build relationships Continue to grow networking base to build relationships Empower students to rise from the shadows of being invisible and voiceless to active advocates and mobilizing Empower students to rise from the shadows of being invisible and voiceless to active advocates and mobilizing Build a familial community on the campus where students develop a strong sense of belonging Build a familial community on the campus where students develop a strong sense of belonging

Espíritu’s Major Accomplishments Hosted Conferences and Banquets Hosted Conferences and Banquets Developed tuition scholarship fund Developed tuition scholarship fund Assisted students to graduation Assisted students to graduation Presented workshop and presentation at major gatherings Presented workshop and presentation at major gatherings Developed a strong network base across campuses and with community members Developed a strong network base across campuses and with community members

Espíritu’s Involvement with the CA Dream Network Statewide network Statewide network Organizes around issues that directly affect undocumented students via student organizations at various college campuses Organizes around issues that directly affect undocumented students via student organizations at various college campuses Mobilizes efforts that directly affect immigration reform Mobilizes efforts that directly affect immigration reform Maintains primary goal to advocate for access into institutions of higher education Maintains primary goal to advocate for access into institutions of higher education

Espíritu’s Collaborative Efforts in Action

Q&A Open dialogue to learn innovative strategies from the audience Open dialogue to learn innovative strategies from the audience