1. Advising Undocumented Students During College Admission and Planning in the Current Political Climate
February 23, 2018
Martha Sanchez Nancy B. Mendoza
College Access Manager Academic and College Counselor

2. Goals
Provide resources for counselors/advisors and community organizations to guide undocumented students through the college application process.
Offer some helpful tools to create targeted programming, finding community resources, provide the perspective from college support program, importance of financial aid, and address the necessary skills to support a student’s social emotional needs.
NM: My experience working with undoc students now and when I first began. Most training I’ve experienced has been helpful around providing community resources but I soon realized that my students needed something beyond a community resource.
MS: Background, my experience working with undoc students, and who I currently service. Resources helpful to me.

3. About Us SCS Noonan Scholars Location: Boston & Los Angeles
Who we serve:
Scholars Nationwide
Goals:
80% Attend Selective Colleges
72% Persist in STEM majors
90% Graduate from College
For more info, visit us at
Synergy Quantum Academy
Location: South Los Angeles
98% qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch
98% of students are Latino/Hispanic
54% of graduate’s parents did not complete high school.
63%- 4 year institution, 33% community college

4. Undocumented Students in California
250,000 of undocumented students in California
Cal Dream Applications Submitted : 36,127
Cal Dream Applications Submitted : 19,141
*as of February 12th

5. Common Challenges working with undocumented students:
Debunking myths
Ex. Not eligible to apply to college or not eligible for financial aid.
Unsure about which financial aid application to file.
Cal Dream or FAFSA
CSS Profile
Advisement from other students/family members.
Selecting a college located far away and not receiving aid to cover housing.
Cal Grant eligibility
Merit Scholarships
1.Challenges that may affect whether a student applies to college or applies for financial aid.
NM: On not disclosing; I often find out as we are filling out financial aid applications in classrooms or workshops. Some students will disclose after presenting about the process for undoc students during college night.
NM: Having honest conversations about covering cost of housing and what the amount of support family can provide; example of a student wanting to enroll at CSU Monterey Bay but instead enrolled at CSULA. These conversations are much more complex than reviewing loan options with a student who is a US citizen and eligible for a sub/unsub loan.

6. Common Challenges working with undocumented students:
Student self-disclosure
Undocumented families
parents are undocumented and student a U.S. citizen
Status as a first generation college student and undocumented status.
Doubt whether college is even worth it.
Students connecting with College Representatives

7. Supporting Social Emotional Needs
Be mindful of your reaction
Listen to their personal stories and fears or their status as students, individuals, role in their family.
One on one or group settings
Community Building
Clubs & Organizations
Resources available on campus
Don’t be quick to refer!
NM: This is where our listening skills as counselors play an important role. When I started as a counselor, I didn’t know much about helping undoc students, effective listening skills and demonstrating to students they are not alone was key in developing a relationship. Looking for resources was second step.

8. Resources List of community resources to assist with legal help
List of national resources counselors/advisors and students
College support programs that provide assistance with legal fees, scholarships.
Highlight college support programs across CSU and UC campuses that are undocu friendly
Highlight private colleges that are undocu friendly

9. Programming at School
Creating targeted college list and connecting them to programs/people at their respective colleges.
In-state or Out of State
Host after school workshops/meetings once or twice per semester:
Ask questions in a small group
Submitting AB 540 affidavit
Registering for Selective Service (Cal Grant eligibility)
Unique scholarships and eligibility.
Space to discuss current political climate (ex. DACA ended, what’s next?)
Webinars
Political Updates
College Application Process
Documentation
NM: Being undocumented student friendly; Parent Conferences; talking about the college application process and financial aid process for students.
NM: Cognizant of inserting information pertinent to undoc students in all senior talks such as advisory presentations and college night/financial aid night.

10. Useful Websites AB 540 Resources
Educators for Fair Consideration:
UC System Undoc Student Resources:
CHIRLA:
UnidosUS:
National Immigration Law Center:

11. Our Contact Information
Martha Sanchez
College Access Manager
SCS Noonan Scholars
Nancy B. Mendoza
Academic and College Counselor
Synergy Quantum Academy