Thousands of community college students in the United States are affected by the Trump administration’s decision to wind down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Since the announcement in early September, community colleges have been holding rallies and information sessions, and sharing resources for undocumented students, known as Dreamers, and their families. This week — DACA Advocacy Week — has some colleges ramping up their efforts.

Several California community colleges are hosting events to inform and educate students, their families, and faculty and staff.

The San Diego Community College District is holding multiple events. Last week, San Diego Continuing Education held DACA information sessions. Yesterday, San Diego Mesa College students who are protected under DACA shared their stories with the campus during “Nuestras Voces (Our Voices),” a community panel discussion.  Mesa College also is holding a DACA resource fair and an information session on how students, faculty, and staff can support DACA recipients. The San Diego City College Student Services Council is holding a similar event, as well as “Creating a Safe Space for Your Mind,” an event sponsored by Campus Mental Health that’s aimed at helping those affected by the current uncertainty.

Irvine Valley College partnered with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), on a professional development opportunity for faculty and staff. They presented an informational film and workshop on the rights and responsibilities of DACA participants.

The Los Rios Community College District’s “Undocually Training” on Friday will show faculty, staff and administrators how to provide a safe space for undocumented members of the college community. The district has a DACA Rapid Response Team and launched a DACA-focused website with updated information and resources.

Los Angeles City College will hold a family preparedness workshop on Oct. 19. Attorneys will be available to help students and their families fill out necessary documents.

The deadline to renew DACA status for those whose status expires on March 5, 2018, was October 5. To help students cover the $495 application fee, the San Francisco-based non-profit Mission Asset Fund (MAF) made scholarship funds available. Because of an influx of private donations, MAF was able to help thousands of Dreamers afford to apply.

Is your college hosting an event for DACA Advocacy Week? Share information on LinkedIn.