The Dream Center is a student resource program specifically made for undocumented and mixed status students in an attempt to help them reach their academic goals.

Outreach Specialist and Dream Center Liaison Joann Ramirez said that the Dream Center enables students to have streamline access to scholarships, financial aid, immigration lawyers, legal services and college application guidance. All in effort to help these students reach their maximum academic potential.

“I especially like when students don’t realize that they can go to college, and getting students to get that realization moment,” Ramirez said.

With a new college website being introduced and a new semester, Ramirez has many objectives that she would like to accomplish with the ultimate goal being to efficiently revamp and publicize the Dream Center.

“The Dream Center website will be updated by the end of the month,” Ramirez said. “We will also be offering scholarship workshops this semester along with free immigration consultation.”

Ramirez said that being able to spread the word about the Dream Center is something that she sees as an important factor in spreading its awareness as well. 

“Getting the word out that there is help, students don’t know what they don’t know,” Ramirez said.

Students such as Harman Kaur, an 18-year-old undecided major, said that the Dream Center does a great job at reaching out to students and offering assistance. 

“They always walk around and help students out every second,” Kaur said. 

Abdul Yusus, an 18-year-old architecture major, said he believes that the Dream Centers attempt to publicize its program will pay off. 

“I think it will get bigger as time goes by,” said Yusus. “People will know about it.”

Ramirez said that being an undocumented or mixed status student can be a challenging story to share with others, and that one of the main benefits to being involved with the Dream Center is being able to ensure that their story is heard and secured.

“Not having to disclose your status or your story over and over again,” Ramirez said. “You have someone that already knows your situation.”

The Dream Center is located in L-125 of the library at the Student Access Center and is currently open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

If you would like to contact the Dream Center, contact (916) 691-7447 or email [email protected]. To directly contact Joann Ramirez, contact (916) 691-7112 or email [email protected].